Hollywood heavyweight Hugh Jackman has confirmed he is exploring a potential investment in Norwich City, teasing what could become one of the most talked-about ownership stories in English football.
The Australian actor, best known for his two-decade run as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, revealed his interest during a candid chat with TalkSPORT, describing the Canaries as an “exciting team” with deep personal connections.
“My mother is from Norwich, so I’ve always had a soft spot for the club,” Jackman explained. “I’m very interested—and talking about it right now.”
Jackman’s admission sets up a intriguing subplot in the world of celebrity football ownership, given his close working relationship with Ryan Reynolds. The Deadpool star co-owns Wrexham AFC alongside actor Rob McElhenney, and the two clubs now find themselves competing in the Championship together.
“Good on Ryan, you do your thing. I’m all about the Canaries,” Jackman quipped, before predicting both clubs could secure promotion this season. “I think it’s an exciting team, and it’s going to be an exciting year. My prediction is Norwich and Wrexham are getting promoted this year.”
A Familiar Interest, Revisited
This isn’t Jackman’s first dalliance with Norfolk’s football scene. The actor admitted he was previously offered the chance to invest in Norwich back in 2010 but declined at the time.
“I went to Carrow Road a couple of times, and I love the Canaries,” he recalled. “This is the year we’re going to get promoted. That’s my prediction.”
The landscape has shifted considerably since then. American businessman Mark Attanasio took majority control of the club in August 2024, purchasing shares from long-time owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones. Attanasio, who also owns Major League Baseball side the Milwaukee Brewers, first invested in Norwich in 2022 and has gradually expanded his stake.
The Celebrity Football Phenomenon
Jackman would join an increasingly star-studded cast of famous names dipping their toes into English football. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, with Hollywood actors, musicians, and American sports legends all finding their way to club ownership.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s Wrexham experiment remains the blueprint, transforming the Welsh club from League Two minnows to Championship contenders with their high-profile stewardship. Their success has inspired others to follow suit.
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady holds a stake in Birmingham City, while cookbook legend Martha Stewart and rap icon Snoop Dogg are minority owners of Swansea City. Snoop received a memorable welcome when he visited the Welsh club earlier this year, treated to a seven-minute lap of honour complete with crowd members twirling towels—a nod to American sports traditions.
Further celebrity involvement includes Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan at AFC Bournemouth, comedian Will Ferrell at Leeds United, and British singer Ed Sheeran, a minority owner of his hometown club Ipswich Town.
Why it Matters
The intersection of Hollywood glamour and English football represents a significant shift in how clubs approach ownership and fan engagement. Celebrity investors bring international attention, social media prowess, and often substantial capital—but they also raise questions about the soul of the sport. For Norwich City, Jackman’s involvement could signal ambitious plans for promotion and growth, while positioning the club to capture fresh audiences across the globe. As more A-listers join the football family, the game becomes increasingly intertwined with entertainment, blurring traditional boundaries and creating new dynamics between clubs, fans, and the stars who now own their fortunes.