What is Cristiano Ronaldo's new Paramount+ football comedy series?

Paramount+ has ordered a 10-episode sports comedy series, Day 1s, from UR-Marv Studios, the production company founded by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn. Actor Damian Lewis is attached to star, with Vaughn set to direct.

The series follows the life of a young footballer navigating his career at Premier League club Brentford FC. The project marks the first television production from UR-Marv Studios, which was established last year as a joint venture between Ronaldo and Vaughn.

Dan Mazer, whose credits include Borat, will serve as showrunner, while Darren Dein developed the original concept. Former Arsenal and France international Thierry Henry is also on board as an executive producer.

Production will be handled by Dein’s DoubleD Sports alongside Archery Pictures. Executive producers include Ronaldo, Vaughn, Doug Ellin, best known for creating Entourage, and Kris Thykier.

Vaughn expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the origins of the project and its significance as the launch title for the newly established production company.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with Casey [Bloys], Sarah [Aubrey], Amy [Gravitt] and the team at Paramount+ on a show that Darren conceived and pitched to me. It’s the perfect project for Cristiano and I to start our company with and to say he is a friend and a partner is a true honour.”

Ronaldo, whose career has made him one of football’s most recognisable figures, said the series would explore the personal experiences and relationships that shape life in the sport, rather than focusing exclusively on what happens on the pitch.

“I’ve spent my entire life in football, and I know that some of the most powerful stories happen away from the pitch.

“Football is about dreams, ambition, loyalty, sacrifice and the people who believe in you from day one. That’s what makes Day 1s special. As a producer, I’m proud to help bring a different side of the game to life, through a story that I believe can connect with audiences far beyond football.”

Henry also welcomed the project, pointing to its emotional appeal and joking about his long-standing sporting rivalry with Ronaldo.

“This is a project with real heart and I’m excited for audiences to see it. It’s also a welcome change to finally be on the same team as Cristiano after so many battles on the pitch.”

With Day 1s, UR-Marv Studios is making its television debut with a project that brings together established names from film, comedy and professional football. The series aims to explore the ambitions, relationships and sacrifices behind the world of elite football through a fictional coming-of-age sports story.

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