Stormzy’s #Merky Films is set to produce a biopic of Arsenal legend and acclaimed broadcaster, Ian Wright. The grime artist himself, Stormzy, has been named as the executive producer of this highly anticipated project.
The film will delve into Wright's life story which includes "a childhood of trauma, an inspiring teacher and a sibling who always looked out for him," according to the filmmakers. They describe the film as “the story of a Black British boy born to first-generation Caribbean immigrants against a backdrop of a working-class South London community, as relevant today as it was in the ‘70s.”
The biopic aims to explore whether natural talent and hard work alone are enough for one to achieve what seems improbable. It will shed light on how Wright battled against all odds to become not only Arsenal’s second-top goal scorer but also Crystal Palace’s Player of the Century.
Ian Wright, Arsenal legend, said:
“Telling my story in full for the first time feels surreal and, in some ways, a long time coming. There are parts of my life that will be familiar because they’ve been talked about over the years, but this film is the first time we’re bringing it all together. Retelling my story to Tom has also made me realise how much Britain has changed from my parents arriving here on the Windrush, what that meant for me and my brothers, and the experiences that will never leave me. I hope it shows how complicated life can be for a young person and the influence people around you can have – good and bad. My story is one that truly shows how the company you keep can break you down and build you up. There are hard-hitting moments but in the end I want it to give people hope and joy.”
Achievements against all odds
Wright earned 33 caps for England during his illustrious career. He played alongside football greats like Beckham and Zidane while overcoming injury setbacks that could have ended other careers prematurely. After retiring from football in 2000, he transitioned into broadcasting where he continued his success streak by winning the Broadcast Sport Awards’ coveted Pundit Of The Year award in 2022. Known for championing women’s football and highlighting issues such as domestic violence impact on children, he was awarded an OBE by Prince William in 2023.
Tom Wilton (Muscle, Bump, A Love Letter To M), who wrote the script for this biopic will also be directing it. He expressed his excitement about working closely with Wrighty stating: “It has been a privilege working closely with Wrighty to capture his story, not least because we both spent our formative years on the same estate. For a man so well-known, there is still so much for people to discover."
The producing team includes Academy Award-nominated producer Sara McFarlane (A Love Letter To M, Red White and Blue, Love Brooklyn) for Essential Viewing, Stephen Tottingham for Serpentine Creative and executive producers Stormzy and Akua Agyemfra for #Merky Films.
Casting and distribution
The biopic will be cast by Carolyn McLeod CDG, CSA and Matt Sheppard - the award-winning team behind BIFA winning and BAFTA nominated independent feature Boiling Point. Discussions with studios and distributors are currently underway.
English Rapper, Stormzy, said:
“It’s a real honour for #Merky Films to be co-producing Ian Wright’s story. Wrighty’s journey goes far beyond football - it’s about resilience, family and believing in yourself against the odds. He’s inspired generations on and off the pitch and we’re so proud to help bring such an important and powerful story to the screen.”
This biopic promises to be an insightful exploration of Ian Wright's journey from his troubled beginnings in South London to becoming a football legend. It aims to inspire viewers by showcasing how resilience can lead one from adversity to stardom.
