On Thursday, June 12, Stormzy, a UK-based artist, revealed an important progression in his career by announcing both his acting debut and the launch of #Merky Films.
This new production arm is an expansion of his growing creative empire. The teaser for Big Man, the inaugural project from #Merky Films, was introduced by the British rapper on Instagram.
This short film, created in collaboration with Apple, was filmed exclusively on an iPhone 16 Pro and signifies Stormzy’s first main role on screen.
In the film, Stormzy portrays Tenzman, a former rapper dealing with the uncertainties of life post-fame. The film, directed by Academy Award winner Aneil Karia, delves into themes of introspection and emotional development through the transformative bond formed between Tenzman and two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell.
Stormzy remarked in a statement, “I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second. #Merky Films is something I’ve been dreaming about for ages – a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art. It’s a natural next step for everything we do at #Merky – sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard.”
Big Man endeavors to encapsulate the vitality and hopefulness of youth, urging viewers to reconnect with their younger selves and practice gratitude. Regarding the project, Stormzy added, “I hope you love our first project, Big Man, as much as we loved making it. For me, it’s all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth – that feeling like life is one big adventure and the world’s your playground.
I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young.” The film is set to premiere on YouTube on June 18, 2025. #Merky Films is the latest addition to Stormzy’s expanding cultural initiatives, including #Merky Books and #Merky FC, both of which aim to amplify underrepresented voices in literature and football. Additionally, the rapper reportedly has a development deal with Netflix and is actively involved in numerous projects.
