‘We got a little wild’ – Channing Tatum responds to Ryan Reynolds’ claims about Wrexham night out

Why Magic Mike star partied with the Wrexham squad

Hollywood met the heart of Welsh football last winter when Channing Tatum joined Wrexham AFC’s squad for a night that quickly became the stuff of legend. The “Magic Mike” star, who had been invited by co-owner Ryan Reynolds to watch the League One side in action, found himself swept up in the Red Dragons’ post-match celebrations — and according to Reynolds, things got a little out of hand.

Tatum was in North Wales filming a Super Bowl commercial for one of Wrexham’s sponsors when he decided to take in a game at the SToK Racecourse. The December fixture against Cambridge United ended 2-2, but the real entertainment, it turns out, began after the final whistle. Having spent time with the players on set, the actor was invited to join them for midfielder Elliot Lee’s birthday celebrations. The invitation was innocent enough — but what followed became one of the more talked-about stories in Wrexham’s modern folklore.

Reynolds reveals what happened

Channing Tatum Wrexham Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds, ever the showman, later recounted the story during an episode of Welcome to Wrexham, and his version of events was part comedy routine, part genuine concern. “Channing Tatum, he’s in my top five loves of all time,” Reynolds joked. “He’s also a menace. He went out with the entire club. Someone might be dead!”

The actor-turned-football owner then read out a series of text messages he received from Tatum the morning after. “‘Oops, I might have had toooooo much fun with the boys,’” one message read. “Then a twenty-minute pause. Then: ‘I’m sorry.’”

Reynolds said he warned his friend not to “break any of them,” to which Tatum replied, “‘Definitely didn’t break any of them, but…’” followed by another ominous pause. The exchange continued: “‘We definitely got way more loose than I was ever planning to. It happened and I’m sorry.’”

As Reynolds put it, “What happened? I get this back: ‘It’s definitely gonna be on the internet.’ Communication over.”

Speaking later on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Reynolds couldn’t resist embellishing further. “He turned the whole team into Magic Mike,” he quipped. “Those boys were in their hotel rooms, tucked away and lost in prayer. Then he came in individually, room by room, and snatched them into the Welsh nightlife.”

Tatum sets the record straight

Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney Wrexham

Eventually, Tatum had to respond — and when he did, he was equal parts amused and defensive. Appearing on The Today Show, the Hollywood star laughed off Reynolds’ playful accusations but admitted that the night might have gotten “a little wild.”

“Those boys are wild — that’s not all me doing that,” he said with a grin. “He [Reynolds] set it up on Kimmel like I did that. Look, I don’t take my shirt off wherever we go. We got a little wild that night. I did not intend on doing that. I was just going in to do a Super Bowl commercial.”

Despite the mischief, Tatum was full of praise for the Wrexham squad and their professionalism. “It was so much fun, and those boys are so good. They’re such a good time and they actually are pretty wholesome. That doesn’t look wholesome, but they keep it together and they’re professional. I’m a huge Wrexham fan.”

How Wrexham became a Hollywood phenomenon

Tatum’s visit was just the latest chapter in Wrexham’s extraordinary Hollywood story — a tale that began when Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2021 and transformed it from a non-league side into one of the most talked-about teams in world football.

By the time Tatum joined them for that night out, Wrexham were riding high in League One, on their way to yet another promotion. Their rise has captured global attention, thanks not only to their on-field success but also to the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series, which has given fans an inside look at life in a small Welsh football town that suddenly found itself in the international spotlight.

The club’s mix of authenticity, community, and celebrity glamour has attracted an impressive list of star supporters. Eva Longoria, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Hugh Jackman have all made appearances at the Racecourse Ground. Even NFL legend Tom Brady got in on the action, with his Birmingham City side facing Wrexham in a 1-1 draw earlier this season.

Wrexham’s rise continues

Under manager Phil Parkinson, Wrexham achieved the unthinkable at the end of the 2024–25 campaign — securing a third consecutive promotion to reach the Championship. It marked the first time in the club’s history that they climbed three divisions in as many seasons, a feat that has placed them just one step below the Premier League.

Their momentum shows no sign of slowing. The Red Dragons have adapted admirably to life in the second tier, showing the same grit and attacking spirit that defined their rise through the leagues. With the city buzzing and the Racecourse packed for every home match, Wrexham’s transformation from a non-league outfit to a national talking point remains one of football’s most heartwarming success stories.

Hollywood friendship meets Welsh passion

For Tatum, the whole experience was something of a revelation — a glimpse into the unique culture that Reynolds and McElhenney have helped create in Wrexham. The actor’s affection for the club appears genuine, born not just from his friendship with Reynolds but from the camaraderie and energy he found among the players.

That infamous night out — however exaggerated — now fits perfectly into the mythos surrounding the Red Dragons. It’s a tale that blends fame, fun, and football, showing how Wrexham’s appeal reaches far beyond the Welsh borders.

As for Tatum, he remains a vocal supporter. “I’m a huge Wrexham fan,” he repeated, smiling at the memory. “They’re such good guys. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

And with the Red Dragons continuing their improbable charge up the English football pyramid, it’s safe to say that both Tatum and Reynolds will have plenty more nights worth celebrating — hopefully, with fewer apologies the morning after.

Would you like me to make this piece more feature-style, adding local colour from Wrexham and quotes from fans to give it a more magazine-like atmosphere?