Stormzy has announced he’s landed his first lead movie role in an upcoming film produced in association with Apple.
The rapper, credited as Michael ‘Stormzy’ Omari, will be playing the protagonist in short movie Big Man. The project is directed by filmmaker Aneil Karia, known for his Oscar-winning short The Long Goodbye, starring and co-written by Riz Ahmed.
Taking to Instagram, Stormzy officially introduced his production company Merky, which has also inked a deal with Netflix for “a few projects” (via Deadline).
“This is something we’ve been working on behind the scenes for a long time: a platform for bold, authentic and powerful British storytelling,” Stormzy wrote on Instagram about Merky and Big Man.
“A home for original and unexpected art. It’s a natural extension of everything we do at #Merky – telling our stories, shining a light on real voices and creating space for those who deserve to be seen and heard.”
Related: Best streaming services
He added: “I’m proud to share our very first official production: Big Man, produced in partnership with Apple – out on June 18th. A short film directed by the legendary Aneil Karia.”
“I hope you love Big Man as much as we loved making it,” the rapper added. “It captures the joy, the spirit and the fearless energy of youth and I hope it inspires you to dream big.”
He finally thanked Karia “for leading with vision in the director’s chair” and co-stars Klevis Brahja and Jaydon Eastman.
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
“My two guys who were nothing short of brilliant. I’m excited to see what you both do next!”
The short follows rapper Tenzman (Stormzy), who finds himself in a creative rut until he meets two teens in his London neighbourhood, in turn encouraging them to “dream bigger”.
Big Man will be available to watch on YouTube on 18 June.
Digital Spy’s first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.
Deals that might interest you
Shop Sky TV, broadband and mobile deals
Stranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle Charm
Shop Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors looks
Richard Osman: We Solve Murders
Shop PS5 consoles
Shop Alison Hammond’s outfits
Apple TV+ 7-day free trial
Sign up for Disney+
The Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive Novel
Death in Paradise: The Puzzle Book
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
Admin