The Wrexham squad got a big surprise when none other than Channing Tatum popped into their changing room. The Magic Mike star has appeared in an entertaining advert which is due to be shown during FOX's coverage of Super Bowl LIX. Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, roped in the fellow actor himself to show their League One team how to celebrate. In the commercial, Tatum struts into the changing area, starting off by telling the players that the owners aren't happy with their current goal celebrations. He then busts out a dance routine set to the pumping beat of 'Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)' by C+C Music Factory.
Wrexham favourites, including Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee, appear unimpressed initially as Tatum produces a ghetto blaster. That's until they can't resist and decide to join in the fun – much to manager Phil Parkinson's frustration. The stunt is designed to shine a spotlight on SToK Cold Brew Coffee, Wrexham's stadium sponsor, and is produced by Reynolds' own firm, Maximum Effort. The clip capitalised on Tatum's recent trip to Wales with Reynolds, taking in one of the team's matches.
The star duo made a memorable appearance at the Fat Boar pub in Wrexham in December. During their visit, Reynolds grabbed the mic, spreading Christmas cheer and even promising a free drink to everyone. He said: "If I don't come visit each and everyone of you tonight in your homes, I just want to say happy holidays.". Tatum has discussed his experience filming the ad, saying: "When Rob and Ryan asked me to help their team master the art of the celebration dance, I knew I had to accept the challenge. It was fun showing the lads how it's done just in time for the biggest American football celebration.".
The coffee company and Wrexham have teamed up before. Last year, viewers saw Sir Anthony Hopkins portraying Wrexham's beloved mascot, Wrex the Dragon, in what was dubbed his 'most challenging role'. Speaking about the latest commercial, Reynolds and McElhenney said: "We're so happy that three of the stars of Deadpool and Wolverine were able to work together again to bring this ad to life for our incredible Wrexham sponsor, SToK Cold Brew Coffee. We will take no further questions related to Rob's actual screen time.".
Brittney Polka, vice president at SToK owners Danone North America, said: "If athletes have shown us anything this year, it's the art of top-notch football celebration dances – and those kinds of moves require a bold brew. Seeing Channing boldly turn the SToK Cae Ras locker room into his personal stage demonstrates exactly what our partnership with Wrexham AFC is all about.". The highly anticipated ad is set to feature during the Super Bowl, and will be streamed live on FOX Sports and the official NFL app. Sunday sees the Kansas City Chiefs go up against the Philadelphia Eagles.
