Matthew Vaughn, ‘Entourage’ Creator Doug Ellin and Thierry Henry Teaming on Soccer Drama Series

Matthew Vaughn’s MARV studio — behind the Kingsman franchise and last year’s Elton John biopic, Rocketman — is making its first venture into TV with an ambitious new project set in the world of English soccer.

Titled Day 1’s, the show has been co-created by Doug Ellin, best known as the Emmy and BAFTA winner and six-time Golden Globe nominee behind Entourage, and Chris Case, who produced Mad About You and Spin City, with both acting as showrunners on the 10-episode series.

With an Entourage-style premise, Day 1’s will focus on a young footballer called Dezmond Kin and his crew as they navigate his growing stature and struggles.

Lending the show some sporting credibility, MARV has been working closely with legendary French footballer Thierry Henry, whose eight-year spell at English team Arsenal between 1999 and 2007 saw him lauded as one of the greatest strikers in the world, scoring some 174 goals in 254 games. Henry and his long-term agent Darren Dein will both serve as exec producers on the series, with Henry — who had a cameo in the Entourage movie — also set to appear as himself throughout.

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Vaughn is set to direct the pilot for Day 1’s, which is being co-produced by Hera Pictures, established by three-time BAFTA TV nominee Liza Marshall (The State, Riviera).

“For my first journey into television I couldn’t have a better partner than Doug; and with Thierry and Darren to guide us on the football, it’s a dream come true,” said Vaughn.

“I love writing about friends who are family and this show gives us a great new platform to do that. Chris and I are going deep inside the life of an elite athlete to explore the world of Premier League football, a world we find more exciting, interesting, and even crazy, by the day,” said Ellin. “We’re thrilled to be partnered with Thierry and Darren whose first-hand knowledge and expertise lends great authenticity, and to have a visionary like Matthew Vaughn on board to bring this show to life couldn’t be more exciting.”

Added Henry: “Entourage was one of my favorite TV shows and when Doug invited me on set to film my brief cameo appearance in the movie, I never would have thought that I would be part of bringing a new TV show to life. I’m also incredibly excited that Matthew Vaughn has agreed to bring his vast expertise and knowledge to the series along with many more extremely talented individuals. Hopefully I can share some of my experiences as this topic is much closer to my heart.”

Shooting is set to begin in 2021. Casting is underway.