Hollywood Star's Stunned Reaction to FA Cup Draw
Ryan Reynolds appeared utterly beside himself as the Wrexham co-owner discovered his Championship side will face Premier League heavyweights Chelsea in the FA Cup round-of-16 stage. The Deadpool actor, alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, has overseen the Welsh club's remarkable journey back into the English Football League, securing three consecutive promotions to reach the domestic second division.
Historic Competitive Fixture Looms
While Wrexham have previously encountered Chelsea during pre-season tours in the United States during 2023 and 2024, next month's clash will represent the first competitive fixture between the two clubs. This is a scenario that Wrexham supporters could hardly have imagined prior to the 2021 takeover by the Hollywood duo.
Reynolds shared a video capturing his live reaction to the draw in suitably glamorous company, featuring his Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Hugh Jackman. In the footage, both men are visibly on edge as they watch the draw unfold on an iPad, with Jackman being the first to respond when ball number seven, representing Chelsea, was selected ahead of Macclesfield's defeat to Brentford.
Explicit Celebration Captured on Camera
Reynolds then seemed to enter a state of shock, anxiously waiting for the announcer to confirm it was indeed Chelsea they would be facing. He repeatedly exclaimed, 'Wait, wait, wait - we're at home to Chelsea?' before Jackman reminded him, 'That's what you wanted!' The pair proceeded to high-five in celebration.
'Yes, f***!' Reynolds declared, adding a stunned 'what the f***' as the reality of the monumental fixture truly sank in. He concluded in near-disbelief, stating, 'Chelsea at the Racecourse.'
Wrexham's Impressive Cup Run
Wrexham have already demonstrated their capability by defeating Premier League opposition to reach this stage, having knocked out Nottingham Forest on penalties in the third round last month. Under manager Phil Parkinson, the team then dispatched Championship rivals Ipswich Town to secure their place in Monday evening's draw.
Despite the excitement surrounding the prospect of hosting Liam Rosenior's highly decorated Chelsea side, there will undoubtedly be a significant measure of trepidation. The Blues secured their fifth-round spot by putting four goals past fellow Championship side Hull on Friday evening, achieving this even without key stars such as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Previous Encounters and Form Guide
Rosenior's squad also won by the same margin in a 5-1 victory over Charlton in January, which marked his first game in charge after inheriting the team from former manager Enzo Maresca at the start of the year. However, Parkinson will be reluctant to recall the scoreline from the two teams' earlier meeting in the United States during 2023.
Under then-manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 5-0 win, thanks to goals from players who have since departed, including Christopher Nkunku, Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, and Ben Chilwell. Nkunku scored again for Chelsea a year later, as did Lesley Ugochukwu, resulting in a 2-2 draw during their subsequent pre-season encounter.
