Deadpool film sparks Wrexham property search spike

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds at a press event for Deadpool & Wolverine

There was a spike in searches for properties in Wrexham following the release of Ryan Reynolds’ new film, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Property website Rightmove said there was a 36% increase in people looking up properties in the north Wales city last week, coinciding with the film's release date.

Reynolds, who stars as Deadpool and also co-owns Wrexham FC football club, gave two of the club's players roles in the film.

Striker Paul Mullin appeared as Welshpool - a Welsh version of Deadpool with a Wales flag across his chest.

Fellow striker Ollie Palmer also made a cameo as a bartender in the background of one scene.

Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, was released in the UK on 25 July.

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in the new Deadpool & Wolverine film

Canadian actor Reynolds and fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC in 2020, putting the city and the club on the world map.

Since then, Wrexham AFC has been promoted to League One - the club's first back-to-back promotion in its 159-year history.

The takeover of the football team and its subsequent promotions have been documented in the Disney+ show Welcome to Wrexham, which has been running for three series.

On Monday, Reynolds - who is regularly spotted watching Wrexham matches - shared a series of photos of himself next to Mullin on X, adding: "You may have noticed one member of the Deadpool Corps was far deadlier than the rest. WELSHPOOL."

Fans of both the film and the football club took to social media to share their excitement.

“Pretty cool that Ryan and Rob are trying their hardest to put Wales on the map!” said one fan.

Reviews from film critics have been mixed, but Deadpool & Wolverine had the eighth-biggest opening weekend ever and the best of the year so far.