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

Stormzy has announced he is to produce a biopic of former Arsenal, Crystal Palace and England striker Ian Wright.

Wright, who successfully transitioned to TV punditry after a distinguished playing career that included becoming Arsenal’s highest ever goalscorer, before he was overtaken by Thierry Henry, said he wanted the film to “give people hope and joy”.

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

Wright came comparatively late to top-level football, making his debut for Crystal Palace in 1985 aged 22. After becoming a first team regular and establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer, including two in the 1990 FA Cup final, Wright moved to Arsenal in 1991 and became a club favourite for his goalscoring feats, as well as scoring nine goals in 33 appearances for England. After spells at West Ham and Celtic among others, Wright retired from playing in 2000, and moved into media, guest-hosting Top of the Tops, presenting his own chat show Friday Night’s All Wright, and regularly appearing as a football pundit.

Wright said: “Retelling my story to Tom [Wilton] 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 … There are hard-hitting moments but in the end I want it to give people hope and joy.”

Stormzy, whose company Merky Films is co-producing the feature, said: “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.”

The rapper and musician recently released the first Merky Films production: a short film called The Big Man, directed by Aneil Karia, in which Stormzy plays the lead role of “a former rap star now navigating a restless and uncertain chapter of his life”.