Stormzy Is Producing A New Biopic About Ian Wright’s Life Story

Ian Wright is to be the focus of a new biopic executive produced by Stormzy.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that a film chronicling the football legend’s journey from a South London housing estate to becoming one of British sport’s most recognisable faces was in the works, produced by Stormzy’s #Merky Films production company.

The currently-untitled movie has been written by Tom Wilton, who is also attached to direct.

Ian enthused: “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 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.”

He added: “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.”

An official press release for the project teased: “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.

“By the time he is in his early twenties, 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 said of the project: “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.”

Over the course of his football career, Ian was best known for playing for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and England’s national team.

Since retiring in 2000, he has become a prolific football pundit and TV personality, and was awarded an OBE for services to football and charity in 2023.