Johnny Pemberton'S 'Mermaid' Dives Into Florida'S Quirky Charm

A Quirky Tribute to the Sunshine State

Florida is no stranger to the bizarre and the beautiful, and Johnny Pemberton's new film, "Mermaid," dives straight into this wild mix. The film embraces the Sunshine State's unique spirit, blending its quirks and culture into an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Behind the Scenes

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – The world premiere of Prime Video's "Fallout" saw Johnny Pemberton gracing the red carpet at TCL Chinese Theatre this April 9, 2024. Known for his comedic prowess, Pemberton takes on the role of Doug, a man grappling with addiction who finds solace in an unexpected bond with a mermaid, set against the eclectic backdrop of Florida.

“It's a love letter, because you like to look at Florida as this spectacle. It's so much weird stuff going on there. It's such a weird, strange mixture of cultures and wildlife, that you have to love it, otherwise you'll hate it,” Pemberton told PauseRewind’s Elizabeth Stanton.

Writer and director Tyler Cornack captures Florida's essence with loving detail. As Pemberton put it, Cornack is enamored with "all the people, all the personalities, all the scenery," which are integral to the film's charm.

From Minnesota Roots to Hollywood Stardom

While Pemberton's character in "Mermaid" navigates Florida's eccentricities, the actor himself hails from Minnesota, a background that has shaped his career. "Most people from Minnesota have what they call a Protestant work ethic," he shared, reflecting on how this has influenced his journey in Hollywood.

Despite his rising fame, Pemberton maintains that he finds the creative process the most enjoyable part of his career, stating, "The process, to me, is the most fun by far, and all the attention afterwards is the worst part, which is ironic, but really true."

Personal Stories and Stand-Up Success

Pemberton's talents stretch beyond acting – he's also made his mark as a stand-up comic. His recent one-man show, "Minnesota Reggae Colostomy Bag," delves into his personal experiences with ulcerative colitis, using humor to navigate life's challenges.

“The title is about because I have a bowel disease, ulcerative colitis," Pemberton revealed, adding a personal touch to his comedy. "So the show is all about stories about having colitis and having the surgery and just and discovering reggae as a means to forget about my problems."

Even with heavy themes, Pemberton finds a way to connect, admitting with a chuckle, "It's a great or terrible title, depending who you are.”

Catch "Mermaid" in select theaters now, and for more on your favorite celebrities, follow us on Instagram @WeArePauseRewind.