Ryan Reynolds and his production company have their next project in the works. Wayne Gretzky and the 1980s Edmonton Oilers will take center stage in “The Great Ones,” a five-part docuseries produced by Maximum Effort.
The new series follows the success of Reynolds’ “Welcome to Wrexham.” The Welsh soccer team he owns with Rob McElhenney has been featured in a documentary-style show that just launched its fourth season on FX.
What Is Wayne Gretzky-Oilers Focused ‘The Great Ones’ About?
According to Deadline’s Jesse Whittock, “The Great Ones*” will revisit the Oilers’ dominance during the early 1980s. After the NHL-WHA merger in 1979, the team won five Stanley Cups between 1983 and 1990. The docuseries will include interviews with former players and rivals, plus behind-the-scenes footage as Edmonton built a dynasty.
As of now, Emmy award-winning director Austin Andrews is confirmed to lead the project, and the five-part series is set to debut on Super Channel in winter 2027. In a statement, Maximum Effort’s head of television, Kevin Hill, said the team looks forward to “delivering an epic series for an epic dynasty.”
“As honorary Canadians, hockey is very close to our hearts at Maximum Effort, and ‘The Great Ones’ is a passion project that combines our love of the sport with our desire to produce compelling non-fiction celebrating legendary histories that deserve more time in the spotlight,” he added.
From Wrexham To The Ice Rink: Edmonton Oilers Doc Series 'The Great Ones' Coming From Ryan Reynolds' Maximum Effort https://t.co/1QckyYpLNF
— Deadline (@DEADLINE)
That sentiment was echoed by Super Channel president and CEO Don McDonald.
“This docuseries explores the Edmonton Oilers’ legacy, from their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise in the 1980s, redefining hockey,” he said. “Fans will get an exclusive look at the passion, talent, and determination that propelled the Oilers to greatness, featuring exclusive interviews, rare footage, and in-depth analysis.”
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Over the years, Gretzky has appeared in several documentaries by other networks. ESPN’s “Kings Ransom,” directed by Peter Berg, focused on the blockbuster 1988 trade that sent the NHL legend from Edmonton to the Los Angeles Kings. That 50-minute film looked at the reaction to the deal and its impact on Gretzky after the shock move.
This also won’t be the first documentary surrounding the Oilers. In 1987, another documentary, “The Boys on the Bus,” focused on the team as a whole. Directed by Bob McKeown, it followed Edmonton through the 1986-87 NHL season as they geared up for their third Stanley Cup title — which they achieved by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in seven games.