Merv is a romantic comedy / holiday film directed by Jessica Swale and written by Dane Clark & Linsey Stewart. The film stars Zooey Deschanel, Charlie Cox, Chris Redd, Patricia Heaton, and David Hunt. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes moments of this movie.
A separated couple who share a beloved dog (named “Merv”) realise that after their breakup, the dog has become depressed. To cheer him up, they take him on a holiday trip—what was meant to help the dog ends up helping them reconnect romantically.
The movie is scheduled to release on December 10, 2025. The film will be available on Amazon Prime Video (via Amazon MGM Studios).
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Merv Filmed?
| Film Name | Merv |
|---|---|
| Genres | Romantic Comedy, Holiday |
| Filming Locations | Wilmington, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach (North Carolina, USA) |
| Filming Dates | Filming began around April 2024 and wrapped by June 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina. |
| Cinematography by | Julio Macat |
| Release Date | December 10, 2025 |
Filming took place primarily in and around Wilmington, North Carolina during spring and early summer of 2024. The production included set transformations to create a winter/holiday look in downtown areas.
📍Wilmington, North Carolina
In Wilmington the filmmakers transformed parts of downtown (including Princess Street) into a snowy winter-holiday atmosphere even though filming occurred in warmer seasons. This location became iconic in the movie because it gives the feel of a cozy holiday town, yet was filmed in spring.
It provides the backdrop for scenes where the separated couple takes their dog on a holiday-minded escape and start reconnecting. The filmmakers likely chose Wilmington for its flexible infrastructure for filming and its scenic coastal and town settings.
📍Kure Beach, North Carolina
This location was used for filming at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier and beach-side boardwalk scenes. Although the beach is sunny and seaside, the crew dressed it up to work for holiday/rom-com beats (including snow effects). The ocean-front environment adds contrast between winter holiday vibes and beach visuals, giving the film a unique holiday twist.
Kure Beach, North Carolina, is a quiet, family-friendly coastal town on Pleasure Island, known for its unspoiled sandy shores and relaxed atmosphere. It’s home to the historic Kure Beach Fishing Pier, one of the oldest on the Atlantic Coast, and sits just north of the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and NC Aquarium. This charming community offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and historical exploration.
📍Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Scenes from the boardwalk and seaside of Carolina Beach were filmed for Merv. The location offers a distinct look—sunny seaside, boardwalk atmosphere—but transformed to fit a holiday film with snow and festive décor. It helped bring authenticity to the setting of the characters’ holiday adventure with their dog.
📍Hurricane Alleys, Carolina Beach
Some scenes for Merv were also filmed at Hurricane Alleys, a popular bar and grill located in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The spot is known for its lively coastal vibe and oceanfront setting. The filmmakers chose this location to capture fun, lighthearted sequences that matched the film’s beach-town holiday mood. Its festive lighting and welcoming atmosphere helped add authenticity to the characters’ cheerful and relaxed holiday moments.
Merv Behind the Scenes
To make your search for Merv filming even more interesting and enjoyable, here are some behind-the-scenes details. The film stars Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, and filming included setting up fake snow in downtown Wilmington in summer temperatures.
The cast and crew have shared some Behind The Scenes glimpses on social media:-
For more information about other shooting locations, stay tuned to this post — we will add more as they become available.
Is there any trailer available for Merv?
Yes, the official trailer for Merv was released and it showcases multiple shoreline and beach-locations along Carolina and Kure Beaches, including the fishing pier and boardwalk.
Merv is set to be released on December 10, 2025 and is available on Amazon Prime Video.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Merv filmed?
A1: Merv was filmed mainly in Wilmington, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach in North Carolina, USA.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Kure Beach?
A2: At Kure Beach the fishing pier and seaside boardwalk were used for filming scenes involving the holiday trip with the dog, and the location was used for its scenic seaside look and festive makeover.
Q3: When did the filming for Merv begin?
A3: Principal photography began around April 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina, and wrapped by June 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Merv?
A4: Yes, many of the filming locations such as Wilmington’s downtown, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach are public places you can visit. However, the specific sets (fake snow, closed-street filming) were temporary, so you might not see the exact look used in the movie. It’s wise to check local filming permit notices or visitor restrictions when planning a visit.
This detailed guide covers the key filming locations and behind-the-scenes moments of Merv. For more information on other films and series, keep checking this page!
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