Stormzy to produce biopic of football legend Ian Wright: ‘He’s inspired generations’

Stormzy‘s #Merky Films company is set to produce an official biopic of the football legend Ian Wright.

The as-yet-untitled film will tell the story of Wright’s rise from a south London kid to one of British football’s most enduring and respected names. It will be written and directed by Tom Wilton, who grew up on the same housing estate as the footballer.

A synopsis reads: “Ian’s journey begins on the Honor Oak Estate in Brockley, south London, where football is the young boy’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. Despite this spark of hope, by his teens, Ian’s dreams of becoming a footballer are falling apart as rejection, oppression, and his own internal rage take their toll.”

It adds: “By the time he is in his early 20s, Ian’s hope has faded, not least because he strives to be the parent he never had. But with his raw talent finally causing a stir, Ian faces a life-altering choice – risk the only security he has ever known, or take one last shot at the big time.”

Stormzy, who will executive produce the project alongside Akua Agyemfra, 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.”

Wright added: “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 [Wilton, who wrote the script] 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,” the football icon added. “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.”

Stormzy launched #Merky Films last year, with the new film venue aiming to “champion new voices, fresh, powerful narratives and innovative forms of expression within British cinema and television. #Merky Films’ endeavour is to create projects that connect communities, celebrate culture and inspire meaningful change.”