Macclesfield knocked holders Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup earlier this season and the sixth-tier side’s giant-killing has caught the eye of Hollywood, with a movie now being worked on
Macclesfield’s famous FA Cup win against Crystal Palace has inspired Hollywood filmmakers to bring their remarkable rise to the silver screen. The Silkmen, who currently play in the sixth tier following three promotions in four years, beat Premier League side Palace 2-1 in this season’s third round.
It marked the first time that the FA Cup holders since had been knocked out by a non-league club since Palace themselves stunned Wolves in the 1908-09 season. Macclesfield went on to host another top-flight side in Brentford, who managed to avoid another giant-killing at Moss Rose by winning 1-0.
According to the Mail, one of Hollywood’s biggest producers travelled from the United States to watch the Brentford tie and learn more about Macclesfield’s rise as a phoenix club. He’s understood to have hired two writers to work on a script and is pitching the movie to a number of big-name studios.
It’s added that the movie would start by exploring owner Rob Smethurst’s alcohol addiction and substance use in 2020, during which he bought Macclesfield in bizarre circumstances. Smethurst decided to purchase the defunct club, which had just been liquidated, off property website Rightmove while on a four-day bender.
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
READ MORE: Gordon Strachan interview: Ex-Southampton boss makes Man City FA Cup semi-final prediction
Despite having no experience in running a football team, the Cheshire businessman has rebuilt the club by investing £4million of his own money. It’s also taken £400,000 per year to keep them afloat.
The movie will also explore a tragic period for Macclesfield, with 21-year-old striker Ethan McLeod having died just weeks before they faced Palace. McLeod was killed in a car crash while driving back from their game at Bedford in December.
Smethurst, who was recently awarded the honorary freedom of the town, told BBC Radio 5 Live after the Silken made FA Cup history: “It was absolutely incredible, the scenes yesterday were just something I’ve never experienced in my life.
Which other club would you want to see a movie about? Have your say in the comments section.
“It was just amazing for Macclesfield and I know the lads were partying until three, four o’clock in the morning. The bars were absolutely full, there were people dancing in Macclesfield.
“I mean the scenes for the town and the community yesterday was just one of those unbelievable experiences that I’m never ever going to forget.
Managed by John Rooney, brother of Manchester United and England legend Wayne, Macclesfield are already guaranteed a place in this season’s National League North play-offs. Ex-manager Robbie Savage was in charge last season as they won the Northern Premier League Premier Division title.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re cu rious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
