LONDON — Hollywood star Hugh Jackman could be the latest celebrity to enter English football ownership after revealing that he is in talks to buy a stake in Championship club Norwich City.
The Wolverine actor, 57, confirmed his interest during an interview with British broadcaster talkSPORT, saying he is actively discussing a possible investment in the club he has supported since childhood.
The potential move could create an intriguing rivalry with his friend and Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns Championship rival Wrexham alongside Rob Mac.
“I’m very, very interested — and talking about it right now,” Jackman said. “Good on Ryan, you do your thing, I’m all about the Canaries.”
Why Norwich? The Connection Goes Back to His Childhood
Jackman’s interest in Norwich City is more than a celebrity business opportunity.
Although born and raised in Australia, Jackman has English family roots. His mother is from Norwich, and he has previously explained that his connection to the club began when he was a child watching English football from Australia.
According to Jackman, he asked his parents which English team he should support. His father’s London roots provided too many choices—but when his mother told him she came from Norwich and that the city had a football team, his allegiance was decided.
That childhood connection has remained with him for decades.
A Second Chance After Turning Down Norwich in 2010
Ironically, this is not the first time Jackman has been offered an opportunity to invest in Norwich.
Reports say he was invited to become a minority investor in 2010 but declined. He later described that decision as a mistake, particularly after seeing the club’s fortunes change.
Sixteen years later, the Hollywood actor appears ready to reconsider.
However, important details remain unclear. Neither Jackman nor Norwich City has publicly disclosed the size of a potential stake, the proposed investment amount or whether negotiations will result in a completed deal.
Ryan Reynolds vs. Hugh Jackman Could Move From Hollywood to Football
The most entertaining angle is Jackman’s friendship—and long-running on-screen rivalry—with Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds and Rob Mac transformed Wrexham into one of football’s biggest global stories after purchasing the Welsh club. Wrexham’s remarkable rise through the English football pyramid turned the team into an international phenomenon, helped by the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.
Now, Jackman could potentially find himself owning part of a rival Championship club.
The actor even predicted that both Norwich and Wrexham could earn promotion, raising the possibility that their friendly Hollywood rivalry could soon play out on English football pitches.
Who Owns Norwich City?
Norwich City is currently controlled by American businessman Mark Attanasio, whose Norfolk Holdings group holds an 85% stake in the club. Attanasio is also associated with Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers.
Former majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones retain a 10% stake, while the remaining shares are held by other investors and supporters.
ITV News reported that discussions between Jackman and Norwich’s American ownership group were ongoing, although no agreement has been officially announced.
Hollywood’s Growing Love Affair With English Football
Jackman’s potential investment reflects a rapidly growing trend: celebrities are increasingly seeing English football clubs as both cultural institutions and global entertainment brands.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s Wrexham project demonstrated how celebrity ownership can dramatically increase a club’s international visibility.
Other prominent names have also invested in football, including:
- Tom Brady, involved with Birmingham City
- JJ Watt, an investor in Burnley
- Snoop Dogg, linked to Swansea City’s ownership group
- Luka Modric, also involved with Swansea
- Will Ferrell, an investor in Leeds United
- Ed Sheeran, a minority shareholder in Ipswich Town
The trend has transformed lower-league and Championship football into an increasingly attractive destination for international investors and celebrities.
More Than a Celebrity Publicity Move?
For Norwich supporters, Jackman’s potential involvement could bring enormous global attention to the club.
But celebrity ownership can be a double-edged sword.
While famous investors can generate sponsorship opportunities, worldwide media coverage and new commercial revenue, supporters often want reassurance that football decisions will remain focused on the club rather than entertainment value.
Jackman’s long-standing personal connection to Norwich could help distinguish his potential investment from a purely commercial celebrity acquisition.
Unlike investors searching for a new sporting venture, Jackman says he has supported the Canaries since childhood.
That authenticity could matter enormously if negotiations move forward.
The Deal Isn’t Done—But the Football World Is Watching
For now, fans should treat the story as ongoing negotiations rather than a completed acquisition.
Jackman has confirmed his interest and said discussions are taking place, but there is no publicly announced agreement or confirmed investment amount.
Still, the prospect is already generating excitement.
If the deal happens, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable superheroes could soon become part-owner of one of England’s historic football clubs—potentially setting up a real-world sporting rivalry between Wolverine and Deadpool.
And this time, the battle wouldn’t happen on a movie screen.
It could happen in the Championship.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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