The rivalry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman could escalate to new heights as Wrexham prepare to lock horns with Norwich City. The Deadpool and Wolverine co-stars have maintained an amusing "feud" for several years, frequently taking potshots at one another on social media and in interviews.
Whilst the Hollywood duo remain close friends behind the scenes, their relationship could be strained on Saturday when Wrexham make the journey to play Norwich at Carrow Road in the Championship. Reynolds bought the Red Dragons alongside fellow actor Rob McElhenney in February 2021, with the Welsh outfit subsequently climbing from the National League to the second tier after three successive promotions.
In contrast, Jackman has been a devoted Norwich supporter for decades, potentially creating some tension between the famous pair. The Australian actor, known for portraying Marvel's Wolverine character, revealed the origins of his allegiance to the Canaries during a joint appearance with Reynolds on The One Show last year.
"My mum was born and bred and lives in Norwich," the 56-year-old told the BBC. "I remember being about seven and saying to my parents, 'I want to find a team.'
"'Dad, where are you from?' He goes 'I'm from London'. I said, 'well what's the team?' He was like 'there are five teams'. I said 'mum where are you from?' She goes 'Norwich'."
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Jackman said his loyalty to Norwich began on that day and has remained steadfast ever since. In 2011, he disclosed that he once had the chance to invest in the Canaries, but unlike his friend Reynolds, he opted not to delve into football ownership.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Jackman said: "Sometimes I make big mistakes. I got a letter about a year ago saying, 'Being such a huge Norwich City fan would I like to be a celebrity investor?', like a small part-owner. I decided not to invest and since then they're on a run, so what do I know?".
Wrexham have had a rocky start this season, scraping together just four points from their first five matches, and currently languish in 21st place in the Championship table. Norwich are better positioned in 10th, having bagged three more points than Phil Parkinson's team.
The Red Dragons' manager is already feeling the heat after a string of disappointing results, amid reports that the club's owners have been holding talks about his future. Reynolds was spotted at the Racecourse Ground last weekend, witnessing their 3-1 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers.
Jackman has frequently offered his thoughts on Reynolds' stewardship of Wrexham. Around the time of the takeover in 2021, he quipped that he felt sorry for the people of Wrexham, suggesting they were living through a "nightmare".
The club struck back after posting a video of his remarks on social media and declaring "Wolverine's overrated anyway". Jackman then revealed in February 2023 how several of Wrexham's competitors had approached him with investment opportunities and that "to stick it to Ryan Reynolds" he fancied netting a match-winning goal against the Welsh side.
Despite the banter, Jackman is amongst the numerous celebrities who have accompanied the Canadian to watch Wrexham from the directors' box.
In August 2023, he was present for the club's opening fixture back in the Football League against MK Dons. Whilst his loyalties will lie elsewhere this weekend, Jackman has expressed enthusiasm about his trip to the Racecourse.
Speaking on the with Rio Ferdinand, he said: "Going to a Wrexham game was one of the great highlights for me. We were walking around and it really mirrored my relationship with Ryan. Because I could see it in the eyes of people going, 'I really thought you were a ****, but you are actually a good guy and on a massive level.'"
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