Paul Mullin has long been celebrated as Wrexham’s football superhero, but in 2023, he got the chance to channel that status into an actual superhero role on the big screen. Thanks to Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, Mullin was invited to make a cameo in the blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. Taking on the role of “Welshpool,” a uniquely Welsh take on Reynolds’ iconic Deadpool character, Mullin embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly—and it’s a moment neither he nor Wrexham fans will soon forget.
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What makes the story even more intriguing is Reynolds’ unexpected apology for offering Mullin the role. But for Mullin, this was nothing less than a dream come true.
From Football Pitch to Hollywood Set
Ryan Reynolds, already known for bringing Hollywood-level energy to Wrexham AFC alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, added another unique chapter to the club’s story by inviting Mullin to join the Deadpool & Wolverine cast. Despite his excitement, Mullin revealed that Reynolds approached the opportunity with surprising humility.
“Ryan asked me quite a while before we filmed if I wanted to be in the movie,” Mullin shared. “He actually apologized for asking me, which was funny because no apology was needed. I was over the moon to even be considered for something like that. I’m eternally grateful for the experience.”
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A Whirlwind Experience on Set
Due to Wrexham’s football schedule, Mullin had only a single day to film his scene. Despite the time constraints, the production team, led by Reynolds, ensured that Mullin received what he jokingly referred to as “the royalty treatment.”
“It was surreal to step onto the set and see the scale of everything,” Mullin said. “But I didn’t have much time to soak it all in. We filmed during the football season, so they made sure I was in and out quickly. It was done within a couple of hours.”
Even though his time on set was brief, Mullin cherished every moment. “It was something I really enjoyed. I found it surprisingly easy and refreshing—just so different from what I normally do. I loved it.”
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Becoming ‘Welshpool’
The idea for the Welsh version of Deadpool, dubbed “Welshpool,” was entirely Ryan Reynolds’ brainchild. Mullin, despite being born and raised in England, fully embraced the role with pride. “My nan was born in Wales, and to be honest, I consider myself more Welsh than English,” Mullin admitted.
The unique costume worn by Mullin is now proudly displayed at Wrexham’s stadium, a lasting symbol of the collaboration between the football club and Hollywood. “The suits are always there at the stadium, and I love seeing them. It’s a brilliant memory and something I’ll always look back on fondly.”
Wrexham’s Football Hero
Mullin’s impact on Wrexham extends far beyond the silver screen. Since joining the club, he has scored over 100 goals in just three seasons, playing a pivotal role in the team’s meteoric rise from non-league football to League One. While his role on the pitch has evolved this season, Mullin’s legacy is already cemented in the club’s history.
“Playing for Wrexham has been an incredible journey,” Mullin reflected. “And getting to do something like this with Ryan and the movie is just another highlight. It’s been amazing to see how the club has grown, and I’m proud to have been part of it.”
Hollywood Dreams?
With his first Hollywood role now under his belt, Mullin hasn’t ruled out the idea of pursuing more acting opportunities in the future. When asked who should portray him in a potential film about Wrexham’s rise, Mullin confidently replied, “Me! I’ve got some experience now, so I think I could do it quite well.”
He continued with a grin, “If I couldn’t pick myself, though, it’d be tough to find someone who could pull it off. The Scouse accent, the things I say, the things that have happened—it’s a tall order! But I’d love to take on more roles. Why not?”
A Legacy Both On and Off the Pitch
Paul Mullin’s cameo as Welshpool encapsulates the magic that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought to Wrexham AFC. By blending football, community, and Hollywood, they’ve created a story that resonates far beyond the small Welsh town. For Mullin, the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that bridged his incredible football career with a taste of Hollywood stardom.
As Wrexham continues to climb the ranks of English football, the bond between the club and its Hollywood owners only grows stronger. And with Mullin’s Welshpool moment immortalized in Deadpool & Wolverine, it’s clear that Wrexham’s story is just beginning. Whether on the pitch or in front of the camera, Paul Mullin has proven himself to be a star—and fans can’t wait to see what’s next.
