Merv: A Canine Rom-Com

The greater Wilmington area has become a favorite playground for Hollywood movie and television producers. The city is host to so many film projects that it has become known as Hollywood East. My name for it is Wilmawood. I think my name is better because, for one thing, it's clearly a better name.

I'm drawn like a moth to the cinematic flame, following production crews from spot to spot to experience what Tom Hanks calls "the making of another major motion picture masterpiece." And, I cannot lie--there's another reason I write about the movie industry. But you'll need to search for "Genome in La La Land" to find out why.

The SAQ strikes paused many film projects in 2023, but activity resumed quickly after the work stoppages. Notable productions in 2024 included 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', 'Merv', 'The Waterfront', 'The Runarounds', and 'Capsized'.

The production I was most interested in tells the story of an ex-couple (Russ and Anna) who reunite when they discover their dog has become clinically depressed over their breakup. The dog's name is Merv and the movie has the same name.

To lift Merv's spirits, Russ (Charlie Cox) decides to take him away from cold, snowy Minnesota to spend Christmas in warm, sunny Florida because nothing cures canine depression like a change in latitude? Anna (Zooey Deschanel) arrives unexpectedly, and the romantic tension is rekindled faster than you can say "fetch!"

The film represents Ms. Deschanel's return to the romantic comedy genre that made her an international star. Charley Cox is, of course, the star of Marvel's 'Daredevil: Born Again' - and a man who clearly knows something about second chances.

I have no doubt the couple's concern for Merv will lift his spirits, but will Merv help to rekindle their romance?  Early hype around the movie suggested yes, but later reports seemed uncertain. 

I consulted my Magic 8-Ball, and the answer floated up out of the darkness: "Reply hazy, try again." That kind of nonsense makes me seriously doubt the reliability of magic balls. Do you ever feel that way?

To transform Wilmington into a winter wonderland, Princess Street received a snowy holiday makeover featuring a giant snowman dressed in a top hat and scarf. I visited him and asked for an interview but found him quite full of himself. 

I spoke with a barista at Café Lune, who shared an interesting story about a yoga studio on Castle Street being used to shoot a dance class for the movie. The story remains unconfirmed at press time. Can dancing be part of a dog's obedience training I wondered. Again, the Magic 8-Ball had no clue. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Merv spends Christmas at a dog-friendly beach in Florida, but in reality, it's the Kure Beach fishing pier, with additional scenes filmed at Hurricane Alley's Restaurant on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. I tried to get video of behind-the-scenes activity by walking onto the sets like I was walking aboard my yacht with my beret dipped strategically over one eye, but I didn't fool anyone.

Principal photography began in April 2024 and concluded in June 2024, and it's rumored that Merv himself is in negotiations for the sequel. 

Although Zooey Deschanel is widely recognized for her role as Jess in "New Girl," her film career includes a variety of notable performances. In the highly popular romantic comedy "(500) Days of Summer," she showcased her versatility and charm to become an international star.

Thinking about the anti-romance theme and unexpected ending of 'Days of Summer' caused me to wonder about a surprise twist ending for 'Merv?' Will Merv meet a cute Labradoodle and leave the humans holding the leash? I'm just speculating; I have no information to support the idea.

'Merv' is directed by Jessica Swale, who made her feature film debut with 'Summerland.' She won the Laurence Olivier Award and gained recognition in 2016 for her script 'Nell Gwynn', which won the Best New Comedy Award.

The screenplay is written by Dane Clark, known for 'One More Time,' and Lindsey Stewart, recognized for 'Workin' Moms.' Clark and Stewart received the WGA Award for their web series 'The Commute.' Their debut feature film is the 2014 romantic comedy-thriller 'Put a Hit on You' - which thankfully is not what Merv had in mind for his feuding owners.

In addition to Deschanel and Cox, the cast also includes Patricia Heaton ('The Middle'), Chris Redd ('Saturday Night Live'), Jasmine Matthews ('The Rookie'), Wynn Everett ('Sweet Magnolias'), and Joey Slotnick ('Drive-Away Dolls').

Many of Deschanel's projects highlight her vocal talents, and I can imagine her singing to Merv a song in a minor key about kibble and heartbreak. She might even contribute to the movie soundtrack. Why not? Come to think about it--why not sing a duet with Merv?

No release date has been announced. It's a holiday movie, so we may have to wait until year-end. I didn't bother asking the 8-ball. Why do I continue to carry this thing around?

If you feel you just can't wait for Christmas, I suggest watching '(500) Days of Summer' again. It's streaming on Amazon. The movie has no dogs, but the human drama is top-notch. Not your average rom-com.

Whatever you decide, you can count on me to broadcast the release date as soon as I hear about it. After all, I strive never to let my public down. You are much too important, almost as important as getting past those "Restricted Area" signs on film sets.