Ready for the weirdest news you’ll hear today? A new Rom-Com feature film is in development and it’s centred around Wrexham AFC. It’s a story based around the well-known 1992 FA Cup tie in which underdogs Wrexham AFC heroically defeated First Division champions Arsenal and it will be called “A League Apart”.
Looks like Wrexham are getting all the cinematic love at the moment, but despite the recent takeover by Hollywood hotshot Ryan Reynolds, we did not see this one coming. Wales-based film and television production outfit Mad as Birds have teamed up with Director SJ Evans (Hiraeth) on original British romantic comedy, “A League Apart”. The feature film is in the final stages of development, with plans to begin filming in Summer 2021.
The story follows Phil, a lovable yet down-on-his-luck man obsessed with his failing Wrexham AFC. His American girlfriend, Christina, wants more out of life and love – but does he? Before Phil loses her forever, can he prove that Christina is more important to him than Wrexham AFC winning? The story is a work of fiction, but its climax is centred around the real-life 1992 FA Cup clash between bottom of the league underdogs Wrexham and reigning Division One champions, Arsenal – referred to as one of the greatest FA Cup "giant-killings" of all time.
Welshman Celyn Jones (Submergence, Set Fire To The Stars) has been cast in the lead role of Phil, while British film and television legend Ricky Tomlinson (Yes, Mike Bassett himself) is also attached to star.
Director SJ Evans said of the film, “We’re so excited to be bringing A League Apart to life – this has been a passion project for me for two main reasons – firstly, I’m a lifelong Wrexham fan and was at the famed Arsenal match and remember running on to the pitch with the rest of the town. Secondly, when Robin passed away in 2019, I promised his family that this film would be his legacy and I will do everything in my power to make it the best film possible, so I was thrilled when Mad As Birds came on board the project last year.”
Producer Andy Evans from Mad as Birds, who was also born in Wrexham, added, “The script and SJ’s vision for A LEAGUE APART drew us to the project without hesitation, and at its heart, we have a universal, feel-good story about love, friendship and community that will appeal to everyone. Our Best of British cast is coming together and we are looking forward to shooting the film in North Wales in 2021.”
Yep, this is really happening. A Wrexham Rom-Com. Can't wait for the Stevenage crime-heist thriller...
