- - Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox Are Exes Whose Adorable Dog Reunites Them in First Look at Rom-Com “Merv” (Exclusive)

Eric AnderssonNovember 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM

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Zooey Deschanel, Gus and Charlie Cox in 'Merv.' -

PEOPLE has the first look at the new romantic comedy Merv, starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox

They play exes who share custody of their pet Merv, a dog who's apparently upset that they're no longer together

The sweet holiday-set movie streams on Prime Video on Wednesday, Dec. 10

Tis the season for rekindling romances — and Merv is the perfect movie to set the tone.

PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at director Jessica Swale’s new romantic comedy starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox as Anna and Russ, exes who share custody of their adorable dog Merv.

But ever since Anna and Russ split, Merv hasn’t been himself, and a veterinarian diagnoses him with a case of the blues.

To raise Merv’s spirits, Russ decides to whisk him away from Boston to beach vacation in Florida — a trip that Anna promptly crashes.

Wilson Webb/Prime

Zooey Deschanel and Gus in 'Merv.'

“I loved the story of a couple breaking up but sharing a dog — and then having to reunite to cure their dog’s melancholy. It just was such a funny concept,” says Deschanel, 45.

Cox, 42, best known for Marvel Cinematic Universe projects like the Netflix series Daredevil, found himself in new, lighter territory. “Tonally, this movie is unlike anything I’ve done before so I relied on Zooey and Jess to guide me,” he says.

Wilson Webb/Prime

Charlie Cox and Gus in 'Merv.'

“Working with Zooey, especially in this genre, was like a masterclass,” he continues. “There are very few actors more accomplished than she is. I really tried to learn as much as i could from her and be as present as possible in the scenes.”

They clearly pulled it off, as director Jessica Swale says the two (human) leads have amazing chemistry. “They're the perfect rom-com couple because they are both joyously funny and real. I'd cast them both again in a heartbeat,” she says.

Prime

Gus in 'Merv'

And as for the pup who portrays Merv? “We combed the whole country, from checking starry 'show dogs' to local mutts sending in self-tapes — with a little help,” notes Swale. “It was a real education, not only in what dogs can do, but in how to tell their story on camera- and how only certain dogs would work. We were lucky to find Gus, who plays Merv.”

Cox and Deschanel were equally impressed.

Wilson Webb/Prime

Zooey Deschanel, Gus and Charlie Cox in 'Merv.'

“Gus has one of those faces that seems to smile at times and be sad at times,” says Cox. “Obviously there are a lot of scenes when I would be talking to 'Merv' out loud and he would just look at me. It genuinely felt like he was actually listening to my words.”

Deschanel calls Gus “very talented and was super fun to work with. He’s a working dog so he’s always paying attention, and professional. He’s super smart and athletic and it was so fun to have a furry friend around.”

Dana Hawley/Prime

The star of 'Merv.'

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Even though Merv is set during the holidays, Deschanel doesn’t necessarily think of it as a Christmas movie a la her 2003 classic Elf. “It just has some Christmas elements that make sense for the story. It’s of course a special time of year that often brings us together with family, so it is a good backdrop.”

Merv streams on Prime Video in December.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”