Arsenal legend Ian Wright's life is getting the big screen treatment thanks to Stormzy producing a biopic about the footballer's incredible story
12:55, 12 May 2026Updated 13:07, 12 May 2026
Stormzy
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Stormzy will be executive producer on the Ian Wright movie despite being a Manchester United fan(Image: PA)
Rapper Stormzy is getting behind the camera to make the official biopic of Arsenal and England football legend Ian Wright.
The BRIT Award winning hip hop star's #Merky Films are co-producing the project about Wright’s journey from the Honor Oak Estate in Brockley, south London to Wembley stadium and beyond.
Ian Wright 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."
Stormzy, who is Executive Producer, added: "It 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.
Wrighty
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It's thumbs up to a movie for Ian Wright Wright Wright(Image: Getty Images)
"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.” -
A childhood of trauma, an inspiring teacher, a sibling who always looked out for him, Wright’s story is a deeply moving one of heartache, determination and unbelievable triumph.
Wrighty explained: "Retelling my story 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.”
Ian Wright
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Wrighty winning the FA Cup with Arsenal(Image: Mirrorpix)
Football was Wrighty's only escape from his tough home life. Schoolteacher Sydney Pigden recognises Ian’s struggles and dares him to believe in who he could be.
However, Ian’s dreams of becoming a footballer fell apart as rejection, oppression, and his own internal rage took their toll. Then in his early twenties, Ian's raw talent finally caused a stir, and he got one last shot at the big time.
Ian Wright became Arsenal’s second-top goal scorer and Crystal Palace’s Player of the Century, earning 33 caps for England, played against the likes of Beckham and Zidane, and faced injury setbacks that may have ended other careers. Since retiring from football in 2000, Wright has become one of football’s most revered broadcasters and in was awarded an OBE by Prince William.
Ian Wright
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Ian Wright is getting the big screen treatment thanks to Stormzy(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
The biopic script was penned by Tom Wilton (Muscle, Bump, A Love Letter to M) who is also attached to direct. “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.
“In Ian’s journey, I recognised the power of a dream, and just how difficult it is to keep going when the world refuses to see you.
"For a man so well-known, there is still so much for people to discover, including what it took for him to never give up. I made a promise to tell the history like it was - raw and real. Now, I can’t wait for people to truly experience Ian Wright’s incredible journey.”
Casting for the film will take place this summer and release plans to be announced in due course.
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