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Stormzy has announced that he wants to create a portrait of the former Arsenal, Crystal Palace and England player Ian Wright.
Wright, who switched to TV punditry after a stellar career that included becoming Arsenal’s top scorer before being beaten by Thierry Henry, said he wanted the film to “give people hope and joy”.
The film, which is currently underway, will be written and directed by Tom Wilton, who grew up in the same house as Wright in Brockley, London. Stormzy will act as an executive producer. In a statement, the filmmakers said: “Ian’s story is one of great emotion, determination, and incredible success.” The story of a young black British man born into the first generation of Caribbean immigrants in working-class south London is as relevant today as it was in the 70s.
Wright came very late to the top football, starting at Crystal Palace in 1985 at the age of 22. After becoming a regular first team player and becoming a very successful player, including two in the 1990 FA Cup final, Wright moved to Arsenal in 1991 and became a club favorite thanks to the goals he scored, as well as 33 appearances for England. After playing for West Ham and Celtic among others, Wright retired from playing in 2000, and moved into the media, hosting Top of the Pops, presenting his Friday Night’s All Wright chat, and appearing regularly as a football pundit.
Wright said: “Retelling my story to Tom (Wilton) has also made me realize how much Britain has changed since my parents arrived here on the Windrush, what it meant to me and my family, and the experiences that will never leave me…
Stormzy, whose company Merky Films is producing the episode, said: “Wrighty’s journey goes beyond football – it’s about passion, family and believing in yourself in the face of adversity. He’s inspired generations here and abroad.”
Rapper and recently released singer Merky Films’ first production: A short film called The Big Man, directed by Aneil Kariain which Stormzy plays the lead role of “a former rapper now navigating the unstable and uncertain chapter of his life”.
