‘He’s inspired generations’: Stormzy to produce biopic about football great Ian Wright

The Crystal Palace, Arsenal and England striker says his life story – now in development with the rapper’s Merky Films – has ‘hard-hitting moments, but in the end I want it to give people hope and joy’ Stormzy has announced he is to produce a biopic of former Arsenal, Crystal Palace and England striker Ian Wright. Wright, who successfully transitioned to TV punditry after a distinguished playing career that included becoming Arsenal’s highest ever goalscorer, before he was overtaken by Thierry Henry, said he wanted the film to “give people hope and joy”. The film, which is currently in development, will be written and directed by Tom Wilton, who grew up on the same housing estate as Wright in Brockley, London. Stormzy will act as executive producer. In a statement, the film-makers said: “Ian’s story is a deeply moving one of heartache, determination and unbelievable triumph. The story of a Black British boy born to first-generation Caribbean immigrants against a backdrop of a working-class south London community is as relevant today as it was in the 70s.” Wright came comparatively late to top-level football, making his debut for Crystal Palace in 1985 aged 22.