Merry Men (film series)
| Merry Men | |
|---|---|
 Official film series logo | |
| Based on | Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons by Ayo Makun |
| Produced by | Darlington Abuda Ayo Makun Patrick Ovoke Odjegba (1–3) |
| Starring | Ayo Makun Ramsey Nouah Jim Iyke |
Production company | Corporate World Entertainment |
| Distributed by | FilmOne Distributions |
Release date | 2018–present |
Running time | 332 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
Merry Men film series is a Nigerian action comedy film franchise created by Ay Makun and produced under the banner of Corporate World Entertainment and distributed by Filmone Distribution.[1][2] The series comprises Three films Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018), Merry Men 2: Another Mission (2019), with a third installment, Merry Men 3: Nemesis (2024).[3] Known for its mix of humor, action, and social commentary, the series has gained significant attention in Nollywood,[4] featuring an ensemble cast of Nigerians.
Starting in 2018, the film introduces a group of wealthy and charismatic bachelors known as the "Merry Men." These four friends Remi Martin (played by Ayo Makun), Amaju Abioritsegbemi (Ramsey Nouah), Naz Okigbo (Jim Iyke), and Ayo Alesinloye (Folarin Falana, aka Falz) use their charm and resources to navigate high society while covertly engaging in philanthropy. However, their playboy lifestyle is challenged when they face a powerful politician and a high-stakes land-grabbing scheme.
The series has experienced a generally positive and negative reception from critics. Both Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Merry Men 2: Another Mission were commercial success in Nigeria, ranking among the highest-grossing Nigerian films of their respective years.[5][6][7]
Overview
[edit]The Merry Men series revolves around a group of wealthy, charming, and philanthropic men who use their influence and skills to tackle social injustices while living double lives as high-stakes con artists. They operate in Abuja, Nigeria, using their charisma to manipulate powerful individuals while secretly working to help marginalized communities.
Films
[edit]| Film | U.S. release date | Director | Screenwriter(s) | Story by | Producers | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons | September 28, 2018 | Toka McBaror | Anthony Kehinde Joseph | Ay Makun | Ay Makun & Darlington Abuda | Released |
| Merry Men 2: Another Mission | December 20, 2019 | Moses Inwang | Anthony Kehinde Joseph | Ay Makun | ||
| Merry Men 3: Nemesis | January 18, 2024 | Moses Inwang | Ay Makun & Anthony Kehinde Joseph | |||
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)
[edit]Directed by Toka McBaror, the first film introduces the titular Merry Men: Ayo Alesinloye (played by Ay Makun), Naz Okigbo (Jim Iyke), Remi Martins (Falz), and Amaju Abioritsegbemi (Ramsey Nouah). The plot follows the group as they attempt to thwart the corrupt plans of a powerful politician threatening the livelihoods of local villagers. The film blends heist elements with comedy and cultural references, earning commercial success and praise for its star-studded cast.
Merry Men 2: Another Mission (2019)
[edit]The sequel, also directed by Moses Inwang, sees the return of the Merry Men as they face personal and professional challenges. This time, their mission is more personal as they confront an adversary seeking revenge for past deeds. The film explores themes of loyalty, love, and redemption while retaining the humor and action that defined the first installment.
Merry Men 3: Nemesis (2024)
[edit]The third film in the series, directed by Moses Inwang, is slated for release in December 2024. The plot details are under wraps, but it promises to continue the Merry Men's adventures with higher stakes and more elaborate schemes. New cast members and a heightened focus on action have been teased in promotional materials.[8]
Cast and characters
[edit]This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in the Merry men film series.
- An empty grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
- C indicates a cameo role.
- P indicates an appearance in onscreen photographs.
| Character | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons | Merry Men 2: Another Mission | Merry Men 3: Nemesis | |
| Ayo Alesinloye | Ayo Makun | ||
| Amaju Abioritsegbemi | Ramsey Nouah | ||
| Naz Okigbo | Jim Iyke | ||
| Remi Martins | Folarin "Falz" Falana | ||
| Dame Maduka | Ireti Doyle | ||
| Sophie | Nancy Isime | ||
| Dera Chukwu | Damilola Adegbite | ||
| Kenya Obi | Regina Daniels | ||
| Johnny | Uchemba Williams | ||
| Kemi Alesinloye | Rosaline Meurer | ||
| Mrs Anyanwu | Lilian Esoro | ||
| Chidinma (blogger) | Osas Ighodaro | ||
| Inspector Cross Omisore | Segun Arinze | ||
| Inspector Jack | Francis Duru | ||
| Uduak Francis | Sam Dede | ||
| Olamide | Himself | ||
| Dafe | Chidi Mokeme | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "Film One - Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons". Film One. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "AY announces return of 'Merry Men' franchise | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "AY Makun Announces Third Installment of Merry Men Franchise - BlueprintAfric". 2023-05-05. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Nwabuikwu, Onoshe (2020-01-12). "Merry Men And The Idea Of Nollywood Royalty". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2023-10-21). "Merry Men 3 ranks no 1 in box office sales with N33.4 million". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2023-11-01). "Nigeria's cinema-goers continue to flock 'Merry Men 3,' grossing N75.4 Million". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Onoja, Simeon (2023-11-01). "The Resilient Rise of "Merry Men 3" at the Nigerian Box Office". Business Elites Africa. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Hoad, Phil (2019-12-20). "Merry Men 2 review – low-budget Fast & Furious-style shenanigans". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-12-08.