Season 2 of Stephen Merchant's The Outlaws comes out in June 2022. Merchant has become a popular name in entertainment since he and Ricky Gervais created the show The Office in 2001 and has gone on to achieve a successful career as a director, writer, and actor in various films and television series.
While being mainly known for his unique comedic performances and his imposing height, in recent years, Merchant has appeared in more dramatic roles. Having made films and television shows in both UK and America, Merchant has a wide range of work in his filmography, with many memorable performances.
Nathan Aka The Oggmonster Oggy: The Office (2001 - 2003)
Merchant stayed behind the camera for the majority of the hit British comedy The Office, with his writing partner Ricky Gervais taking center stage. But that does not stop making a scene-stealing appearance as Nathan aka The Oggmonster aka Oggy.
Despite only appearing for a minute, the appearance is one of the most memorable cameos in the series. David Brent is quick to mock Oggy for his height but goes too far when commenting on his "bulbous" eyes. The scene perfectly sums up the awkward humor of the series and showcases Merchant's style of comedy that he would expand on throughout his career.
Danny: I Give It A Year (2013)
Stephen Merchant featured in a supporting role in the 2013 film I Give It A Year, playing Danny, the best man to Rafe Spall's character. He quickly shows himself to be the worst best man in the world, with each one-liner he utters being met with a cringe from other characters and the audience.
The film was met with mixed reviews, but Merchant steals each scene he appears in, perfectly showcasing his awkward comedy style with a best man speech and an embarrassing wedding dance that prove to be the most memorable scenes of the film.
Walter Thimble: Table 19 (2017)
Merchant appears as Walter Thimble, one of the unwanted wedding guests in the 2017 comedy Table 19. The film revolves around a gang of losers who make up Table 19. The film introduces us to Thimble in his halfway house after his release from prison, with his creepy demeanor making the audience question the severity of his crime.
It is later revealed that Thimble is not a menacing character and just a misunderstood misfit like the rest of his table. Yet there are moments that we truly believe he is could be a sinister criminal. This sets Merchant up well for a future role.
Stephen Port: Four Lives (2022)
In the BBC drama Four Lives, Merchant plays real-life serial killer Stephen Port, who murdered four men between 2014 and 2015. The show explores Port's heinous crimes as well as the failings of the police that followed the murders.
At first, it is surprising to see Merchant take on the role of such a sinister character, especially given the delicacy of re-enacting events involving real people, but Merchant gives a chilling performance that is a long way from his usual comedic roles.
Hugh: Fighting With My Family (2019)
Fight With My Family is Merchant's first feature film that he directed without Ricky Gervais. Here the audience sees Merchant's developed filmmaking style as he tells the story of WWE wrestler Paige, who goes from living with her wrestling-obsessed family in Norwich, all the way to Wrestlemania, becoming WWE Divas Champion, and encountering wrestling royalty like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Merchant appears in a scene as Hugh, who comes to dinner with Paige's family. The two families come from two completely different worlds, leading to comical miscommunication and clashes of culture, allowing Merchant to thrive in the tension.
Greg: The Outlaws (2021 - )
The Outlaws was written, directed, and starred Merchant. It brought Merchant back to his hometown of Bristol and revolved around a group of misfits serving community service together. Merchant plays Greg, one of many memorable characters in The Outlaws, an unsuccessful lawyer who is doing community service after being caught with a sex worker.
Merchant shows his full acting range in this show, blending comedy with warm and tender moments, making Greg one of the most empathetic characters in the show. With a second series on the way, it is exciting to see Merchant continue this character’s journey.
Captain Deertz: Jojo Rabbit (2019)
In Jojo Rabbit, Merchant plays a high-ranking Gestapo officer, Herman Deertz, who comes into Jojo's home to investigate. Jojo Rabbit is filled with great quotes, but the scene with Merchant, which makes a mockery of the Gestapo itself, is one of the most memorable.
Merchant steals the scene and showcases a perfect blend of both his comedic and dramatic skills. It is one of the funniest scenes in the film, yet still successfully shows the fear that the Gestapo struck. It is the only film Merchant has starred in that has won an Academy Award.
Stuart Pritchard: Hello Ladies (2013 - 2014)
Adapted from his stand-up show of the same name, Merchant plays Stuart, an Englishman who has moved to Los Angeles in the hope of finding love. Stuart fails this regularly, with his failures always landing him in embarrassing situations.
The show was canceled after one season on HBO but was picked up for a movie to conclude the story. Despite being socially inept, eventually, Stuart finds love and is a rewarding finish to the likable character that Merchant effortlessly plays.
Caliban - Logan (2017)
Perhaps the biggest acting role of Merchant's career to date is playing Caliban in the 2017 superhero film, Logan. Despite the character having already been portrayed in X-Men: Apocalypse, it is Merchant's version that is considered more superior, as he aids Wolverine and Professor X in the final days of their lives.
Merchant is one of the many great things about Logan. Merchant's tall stature and pale complexion create an alarming presence, but Merchant's calm demeanor makes this character incredibly vulnerable. With Merchant shaving his head for the role and undergoing a large number of hours in makeup to change his appearance, this is the biggest departure from Merchant's usual comedy roles.
Darren Lamb - Extras (2005 - 2007)
In Extras, Merchant plays Darren Lamb, an acting agent who is beyond terrible at his job. In each episode, Ricky Gervais's Andy would go to see Darren and be increasingly more disappointed with his terrible work as an agent.
Merchant won a BAFTA for his role in the series, which was his first role with a large amount of screen time. Extras had many great guest stars, but it was Merchant who was the most consistently funny character. Even though most of his appearances in the show are from behind a desk, Merchant still manages each scene with his sharp delivery and exceptional physical humor.