Wayne Gretzky’s legacy revived as Ryan Reynolds backs docuseries on Edmonton Oilers’ 1980s dynasty

The Edmonton Oilers' golden era of the 1980s is set to be relived through the lens of Hollywood, thanks to Ryan Reynolds and his production company, Maximum Effort. Known for their hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, Reynolds' team is now turning its focus to the NHL, teaming up with core G Productions, Fennessey Films, Super Channel, and OEG Sports & Entertainment to produce The Great Ones—a five-part docuseries expected to premiere on Super Channel by 2027.This new series will dive deep into the Oilers’ dynasty years, where legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Grant Fuhr helped the team capture five Stanley Cups between 1984 and 1990. While younger fans have only glimpsed this iconic era through documentaries like The Boys Are Back, this upcoming series promises “an unprecedented look at the lives and careers” of the stars who shaped the league during that time, according to a statement from Maximum Effort.What sets The Great Ones apart is its wide lens—going beyond Gretzky and the on-ice heroes. The series will also feature perspectives from managers, broadcasters, and rivals who witnessed the Oilers' meteoric rise and domination. With Emmy-winning director Austin Andrews (Julie and the Phantoms) at the helm, fans can expect a polished, emotionally charged tribute to one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.As anticipation builds for the docuseries, the present-day Oilers are battling to carve out their own legacy. After a rough start in the playoffs, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have led a remarkable resurgence, taking down the LA Kings and top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights. However, their hopes took a hit after a dramatic collapse in Game 1 of the conference finals against the Dallas Stars, who stunned the Oilers with five third-period goals.Also Read: Why was Brad Marchand suspended mid-game but no penalty given for Andrei Svechnikov’s hit on Sergei Bobrovsky?Whether this year’s team can reclaim Stanley Cup glory remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Great Ones is perfectly timed to spark fresh debate on whether the 80s Oilers were truly the greatest team in NHL history.