Paul Mullin, a name synonymous with Wrexham’s football revival, has now added another feather to his cap—a cameo in Ryan Reynolds’ blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. But this wasn’t just any cameo. Mullin played “Welshpool,” a Welsh-inspired version of Deadpool himself, in what is being described as a surreal and unforgettable moment for the football star. However, the opportunity came with an unexpected apology from Reynolds, leaving fans and insiders curious about the story behind the scenes.
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The Hollywood superstar and Wrexham co-owner invited Mullin to the set in 2023, and despite the small nature of his role, the experience was nothing short of monumental for the striker. Mullin recently opened up about the day Reynolds asked him to take part in the movie, sharing exclusive details about the experience and why the Deadpool actor felt compelled to say sorry.
Ryan Reynolds’ Unnecessary Apology
In an exclusive interview, Mullin revealed that Reynolds approached him with the opportunity to star in the film but began the conversation with an apology. “Ryan asked me quite a while before we filmed if I wanted to be in the movie,” Mullin explained. “He apologized, saying he hoped I didn’t mind being involved. But honestly, there was no need for an apology. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I was over the moon about it.”
The chance to step into a Hollywood set and don a superhero costume was far from a burden for the Wrexham star. Mullin described himself as “eternally grateful” for the chance to contribute to a project of such magnitude, even if it was just a brief, non-speaking role.
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A Whirlwind Day on Set
Filming the scene was a whirlwind experience for Mullin, who was whisked away mid-season to the set. While his time in Hollywood was limited to just a few hours, it left an indelible mark on him. “It was surreal when you see the set and everything that goes into it,” Mullin said. “But I didn’t have much time to hang about. We filmed it all in one day since it was during the football season. Ryan and the crew made sure I was in and out as quickly as possible.”
Mullin praised Reynolds and the production team for treating him like royalty. “They made sure everything was seamless. It felt like I was Ryan Reynolds for the day,” Mullin joked. “It was over and done with really quickly, but I loved every second of it. It was different, refreshing, and something I’ll never forget.”
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The Creation of “Welshpool”
Mullin’s character, Welshpool, was entirely the brainchild of Ryan Reynolds, combining the quirks of Deadpool with a nod to Wrexham’s Welsh roots. While Mullin was born and raised in England, he embraced the role wholeheartedly, even sharing that he feels a strong connection to Wales through his grandmother. “My nan was born in Wales, and honestly, I consider myself more Welsh than English,” Mullin said.
He found the idea of Welshpool “brilliant” and loved playing the part. The costume, a unique spin on Deadpool’s iconic suit, is now displayed at the Wrexham stadium, serving as a lasting reminder of Mullin’s Hollywood moment. “It’s always fun seeing the suits at the stadium,” Mullin said. “It brings back the memory of that day.”
A Hollywood Highlight in a Football Career
Paul Mullin’s football journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the talismanic striker for Wrexham, he has played a pivotal role in the club’s rise from non-league football to League One. With over 100 goals in just three seasons, Mullin has etched his name in the club’s history books. While his role on the pitch has evolved this season, he remains a beloved figure among fans.
The Deadpool & Wolverine cameo is just another highlight in Mullin’s remarkable story, blending his football success with the glitz of Hollywood. For Reynolds, who has become deeply invested in Wrexham’s success alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, inviting Mullin to the set was likely a way of showing appreciation for the striker’s contributions to the club.
What’s Next for Mullin? A Future in Acting?
With his Hollywood debut behind him, Mullin isn’t ruling out the possibility of exploring acting further. When asked who should play him in a potential movie about Wrexham’s rise under Reynolds and McElhenney, Mullin cheekily responded, “Me! I’ve got some experience now, so I think I could do it quite well. Going forward, I could look into playing more roles. I’d love to. So why not?”
Mullin admitted it would be a tough task to find someone else who could capture his Scouse accent and personality. “If I couldn’t pick myself, I’d probably be difficult to cast. But for now, I’d say I’d like to play myself.”
A Legacy on and off the Field
Paul Mullin’s cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine is a testament to the unique bond between the Wrexham football club and its Hollywood owners. As the club’s story continues to inspire fans worldwide, Mullin’s moment as Welshpool symbolizes the intersection of sports, entertainment, and community. Whether on the pitch or in front of the camera, Mullin has proven himself to be a star in every sense of the word.
For now, Mullin is back to focusing on football, but his Hollywood adventure will remain a cherished memory. As Wrexham continues to climb the ranks of English football, fans can’t help but wonder if more cinematic opportunities are on the horizon for the man who seamlessly transitioned from goal-scoring hero to on-screen superhero.
