Disney+ has officially greenlit a new docuseries centered on the Australian sailing team co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The series, which draws comparisons to the hit show Welcome to Wrexham—also produced by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney—will follow the Bonds Flying Roos as they compete in the global SailGP championship. The announcement marks the first collaboration between Reynolds and Jackman since their blockbuster film Deadpool & Wolverine, and the duo have already teased fans with hopes of pirates and high-seas adventure.
The Bonds Flying Roos are one of several teams in SailGP, formerly known as the Rolex SailGP Championship. This league features identical 50-foot catamarans that race in close-to-shore courses at breathtaking speeds of up to 100 km/h (about 62 mph). The series will provide an insider's view of the team's journey across a full racing season, capturing the intense pressure, strategic maneuvers, and personal dynamics that define elite sailing. Reynolds and Jackman bought the team in 2023, joining a growing trend of celebrities investing in professional sports franchises.
At the helm of the Flying Roos is driver and CEO Tom Slingsby, an Australian sailing legend. Slingsby is an Olympic gold medalist (2012 in the Laser class), an America's Cup winner (with Oracle Team USA), and a three-time SailGP champion. His experience and leadership make him a central figure in the docuseries, which promises to explore the team's quest for another title. The series is directed and showrun by Brent Hodge, known for his work on sports documentaries such as The Last Dance and Kobe: The Making of a Legend. Reynolds' production company Maximum Effort is co-producing alongside Eureka Productions, with additional executive production from Rob McElhenney through his More Better Productions banner.
This new project continues the successful formula that Reynolds and McElhenney pioneered with Welcome to Wrexham, a docuseries about their purchase and stewardship of a Welsh soccer club. That show earned critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and deep dive into the community behind the sport. Welcome to Wrexham proved that celebrity-owned sports docuseries can resonate with global audiences, blending humor, drama, and genuine emotional stakes. The sailing series aims to replicate that success by taking viewers into the world of high-speed catamaran racing—a sport that is less familiar to many but equally compelling.
SailGP itself was founded in 2019 by Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, and Russell Coutts, a five-time America's Cup winner. The league has grown to include ten national teams, each representing a country with a mix of local and international sailors. The races take place in iconic harbors around the world, including Sydney, San Francisco, and New York. The identical boat design ensures that the competition hinges on crew skill and strategy rather than technological advantages, leveling the playing field and creating dramatic finishes.
Reynolds and Jackman have been actively involved in promoting the Flying Roos. In a joint statement, they said, "This is our first collaboration since Deadpool & Wolverine and we once again anticipate action, comedy, heart but with a lot more water. And (fingers crossed) pirates. We hope there's pirates in SailGP." The playful remark reflects the lighthearted tone the actors often bring to their public personas, yet their investment in the team is serious: both are known for their business acumen, with Reynolds successfully building a portfolio that includes Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, and a stake in the Welsh football club Wrexham AFC. Jackman, meanwhile, has been a longtime advocate for Australian sport and has even competed in charity sailing events.
The docuseries is produced as an Australian Original for Disney+. It will be available exclusively on Disney+ internationally and on both Disney+ and Hulu in the United States. The announcement was made by Eric Schrier, president of direct-to-consumer international originals, strategic programming, and emerging media at Disney. Schrier noted, "Following Ryan, Hugh and the SailGP's Bonds Flying Roos Australian team's journey gives us a remarkable inside view of this thrilling sport and what it takes to compete at the highest level. We couldn't be more excited to bring this story to Disney+ audiences around the world."
The sailing world has seen a surge in interest thanks to documentaries like The Race to the End of the World and Maiden, but this series marks the first time a major streaming platform has dedicated a multi-episode docuseries to a current SailGP team. The production team plans to embed with the Flying Roos throughout the 2024-2025 season, capturing race preparation, onboard communication, and the personal lives of the crew. Early footage is expected to showcase the physical demands of the sport, where sailors must constantly adjust their body weight and handle massive sails while navigating choppy waters.
For Reynolds, the sailing docuseries is a natural extension of his growing involvement in sports ownership. He and McElhenney have transformed Wrexham AFC, taking the club from the National League to League Two in just two seasons, and their documentary series has been credited with boosting the club's global profile. Now, they aim to do the same for sailing. Jackman, who grew up sailing in Australia, brings a personal connection to the sea. He has often spoken about his love for the ocean and his respect for the athletes who compete in SailGP.
The announcement has already generated buzz among fans of both actors and sailing enthusiasts. Social media reactions have been positive, with many eager to see the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman outside of their superhero roles. The series also has the potential to introduce sailing to a new generation of viewers, much like Formula 1: Drive to Survive did for motorsports. By focusing on the human stories behind the competition, the show can make the technical aspects of sailing accessible and engaging.
Beyond the on-water action, the docuseries will delve into the business side of running a professional sailing team. Reynolds and Jackman have been hands-on owners, attending races and interacting with fans. The series may also explore the challenges of branding and sponsorship in a niche sport, as well as the team's partnership with Bonds, an Australian apparel company. The Flying Roos' distinctive green and gold livery pays homage to Australia's national colors, and the team's identity is deeply tied to the country's sporting culture.
As production gears up, the creators are keeping details about the episode count and release date under wraps. However, Disney+ has expressed strong confidence in the project, given the track record of everyone involved. With Reynolds, McElhenney, and Jackman at the helm—alongside a seasoned documentary filmmaker—the series is poised to deliver the same blend of entertainment and inspiration that made Welcome to Wrexham a phenomenon. Whether or not pirates make an appearance remains to be seen, but the Bonds Flying Roos are already sailing into the spotlight.
Source: MSN News