Hugh Jackman Given the Cold Shoulder by Wrexham Players After Dressing Room Visit
It turns out even Hollywood royalty isn’t immune to the sting of a tough football defeat.
Hugh Jackman, the legendary Wolverine actor and close friend of Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, received a frosty welcome from the Wrexham dressing room after an ill-timed visit during the club’s return to the Football League.
The Australian actor was invited into the locker room by Reynolds following Wrexham’s highly anticipated opening match of the 2023–24 season — their first in the EFL after a 15-year absence. Unfortunately for Jackman, the Red Dragons suffered a heavy 5-3 defeat at the hands of MK Dons that day, and spirits were low.
Speaking to Sky Sports Radio, former Wrexham captain Ben Tozer recalled the moment with some humor but admitted the timing couldn’t have been worse.
“When Will Ferrell came in before a game, that was a pinch-me moment. I was like, ‘I’ve got to shake and bake with that guy!’ because of Talladega Nights,” Tozer said. “But when Hugh Jackman came in after the MK Dons loss, the mood was completely different. He walked in and no one was really up for it. The feeling was just, ‘Can you get out please?’ We didn’t want anyone in there at that moment.”
Despite the less-than-warm reception, Jackman took the experience in stride. He later joked that Reynolds’ involvement in Wrexham inspired him to consider buying a club himself, saying he received “more than one offer” to co-own rival teams for as little as £1. While he ultimately didn’t enter the football world, he did partner with Reynolds on a different venture — co-owning the BONDS Flying Roos sailing team.
Jackman is one of many A-list celebrities to visit the club since Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney took over in 2021. Eva Longoria, Channing Tatum, Paul Rudd, and Will Ferrell have all made appearances at Wrexham’s historic SToK Racecourse.
Looking Ahead
Wrexham are currently on tour in Australia — Jackman’s home turf — playing a series of friendlies against clubs in Melbourne and Sydney before heading to New Zealand. After three consecutive promotions, the club is now preparing for life in the Championship for the 2025–26 season — a remarkable rise that continues to attract global attention.
Even if his first visit didn’t go quite as planned, Jackman’s connection to Wrexham might not be over just yet. And next time, the welcome might be a little warmer — especially after a winter
