‘He’s inspired generations’: Stormzy to produce biopic about football great Ian Wright | Film

Stormzy has announced that he will be making a biopic of former Arsenal, Crystal Palace and England striker Ian Wright.

After a distinguished playing career that included becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer, Wright, who successfully transitioned into TV punditry before being overtaken by Thierry Henry, said he wanted the film to “give people hope and joy”.

The film, currently in development, will be written and directed by Tom Wilton, who grew up in the same housing estate as Wright in Brockley, London. Stormzy will serve as executive producer. In a statement, the filmmakers said: “Ian’s story is a deeply moving tale of heartache, determination and incredible triumph. The story of a Black British boy born to first-generation Caribbean immigrants, against the backdrop of the working-class community of South London, is as relevant today as it was in the 70s.”

Wright came to senior football relatively late, making his debut for Crystal Palace in 1985 at the age of 22. After becoming a first team regular and establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer, including two goals in the 1990 FA Cup final, Wright moved to Arsenal in 1991 and became a favorite at the club for his goalscoring exploits, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances for England. After playing for West Ham and Celtic, among others, Wright retired from football in 2000 and moved into media, hosting guests on Top of the Tops, presenting his own chat show Friday Night’s All Wright and appearing regularly as a football commentator.

Wright said: “I’m retelling my story to Tom [Wilton] It has also made me realize how much Britain has changed since my parents came here on the Windrush, what that has meant to me and my siblings, and experiences that will never leave me… There are difficult moments but ultimately I want it to give people hope and joy.

Stormzy, whose company Merky Films co-produces, said: “Wrighty’s journey goes far beyond football – it is about resilience, family and believing in yourself against the odds. He has inspired generations on and off the pitch.”

The rapper and musician recently released his first Merky Films production: a short film called The Big Man, directed by Aneil Karia, starring Stormzy as “a former rap star navigating an unsettled and uncertain chapter of his life.”