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

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

Film	Release date	Director	Screenwriter(s)	Story by	Producers	Status
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons	September 28, 2018 (2018-9-28)	Toka McBaror	Anthony Kehinde Joseph	Ay Makun	Ay Makun & Darlington Abuda	Released
Merry Men 2: Another Mission	December 20, 2019 (2019-12-20)	Moses Inwang	Anthony Kehinde Joseph	Ay Makun
Merry Men 3: Nemesis	January 18, 2024 (2024-1-18)	Moses Inwang	Ay Makun & Anthony Kehinde Joseph

Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)

Main article: Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons

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)

Main article: Merry Men 2: Another Mission

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)

Main article: Merry Men 3

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

List indicators

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.

Overview of Merry Men cast and crew

Character
	Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons	Merry Men 2: Another Mission	Merry Men 3: Nemesis
Amaju Abioritsegbemi	Ayo Makun
Ayo Alesinloye	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

1. "Film One - Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons". Film One. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
2. "AY announces return of 'Merry Men' franchise | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
3. "AY Makun Announces Third Installment of Merry Men Franchise - BlueprintAfric". 2023-05-05. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
4. Nwabuikwu, Onoshe (2020-01-12). "Merry Men And The Idea Of Nollywood Royalty". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Onoja, Simeon (2023-11-01). "The Resilient Rise of "Merry Men 3" at the Nigerian Box Office". Business Elites Africa. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
8. Hoad, Phil (2019-12-20). "Merry Men 2 review – low-budget Fast & Furious-style shenanigans". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2024-12-08.