Ryan Reynolds’s Maximum Effort Set on Recreating Wrexham’s Success Model for a Legendary Canadian Team From the 1980s

Published 05/21/2025, 10:56 AM EDT

Ryan Reynolds is not just a funny guy on screen—he is a business ninja. He built a powerhouse by backing brands he believes in and flipping his star power into marketing gold. When he and Rob McElhenney swooped in on Wrexham, a broke, forgotten fifth-tier English football team, they sparked cash flow like wildfire, launched the club up the ranks, and grabbed global eyeballs with the Welcome to Wrexham docuseries. Now, Reynolds is ready to shake up a legendary Canadian team from the 1980s with the same bold playbook.

Ryan Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort, is preparing to bring back a legendary Canadian team from the 1980s amid the Red Dragon's back-to-back success. 

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Ryan Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort, is diving deep into hockey history with a gripping new docuseries on the legendary rise of the Edmonton Oilers. As reported by Deadline, The Great Ones will be a five-part saga spotlighting the team’s golden era—five Stanley Cup wins between 1983 and 1990—following the 1979 league merger. The series will feature insights from Hall of Famers, rivals, coaches, and insiders. With Welcome to Wrexham a hit, this is Maximum Effort’s next sports storytelling knockout.

Reynolds’ Maximum Effort is teaming up with Score G Productions, Fennessey Films, Super Channel, and OEG Sports for The Great Ones. Directed by Emmy-winner Austin Andrews, it is set to hit Super Channel in winter 2027. With passion, nostalgia, and serious storytelling chops, this series aims to honor the iconic legacy of the Oilers unforgettably.  Meanwhile, in the soccer world, Wrexham’s rise has many fans cheering—but some critics remain unimpressed, leading the club’s director to push back against the naysayers.

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Wrexham’s cash splash on wages and transfers sparked backlash, but Humphrey Ker clapped back fiercely, insisting the club’s spending stays solidly within their budget—and the critics can take a seat.

Humphrey Ker sets the record straight on Wrexham’s transfer strategy

Wrexham director Humphrey Ker fired back at critics, accusing the club of “ruining football” with big spending. After Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney invested millions since 2021, Wrexham’s rise has sparked backlash over high wages and transfer fees, like the 2.27 million for striker Sam Smith. Speaking on the Chris Moyles Show, Ker dismissed the drama, saying their huge sponsorships and documentary success mean they are spending only what they earn—and bluntly told doubters to “shut up.”

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Wrexham AFC is facing growing pains from their newfound fame, thanks to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s star power and the hit Welcome to Wrexham documentary. The club’s latest accounts reveal a jaw-dropping $35.85 million turnover for the year ending June 2024—a 155% jump despite still being in League Two. With its success, Wrexham is also navigating the challenges that come with the star-powered influence of Reynolds and McElhenney. Now, with Reynolds shifting focus to bring 1980s hockey legends to life, only time will reveal if this next chapter shines as bright.

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Are you excited to watch The Great Ones? Let us know in the comments below!

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Yusra Miraj Khan

439 articles

Yusra is a budding content writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for blending creative thinking with well-researched facts. She’s drawn to celebrity controversies, uncovering the truth behind them, and crafting articles that captivate readers. Known for her keen eye for detail and ability to communicate effectively, Yusra has a proven track record in debate and storytelling competitions.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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