A newly released film titled VeryDarkBlackMan, inspired by controversial social media critic VeryDarkMan (Martins Vincent Otse), premiered on YouTube on May 28, 2025. The movie stars veteran actor Gentle Jack in the lead role and attracted over 24,000 views within its first 24 hours.
Despite this early interest, the film has ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions. While some viewers saw it as lighthearted comedy, others criticized Nollywood for what they described as “shallow storytelling,” claiming that productions like this undermine the industry’s progress.
“Mumu Nollywood industry will never grow. Imagine when they are better stories that need dramatization to educate Nigerians and the world generally but they prefer to be shallow,” wrote an X user, expressing frustration with the film’s perceived lack of depth.
“He Shouldn’t Have Taken The Role, Yen Yen Yen…”
Amid the backlash, some fans defended Gentle Jack, arguing that criticism towards his casting ignores the realities actors face.
“He shouldn’t have taken the role yen yen yen, will you people pay his bills? You guys don’t know if he’s broke and didn’t have any choice, your own is just to criticize. Mtchew,” commented another X user.
Others lamented the cost of fame on Nollywood veterans’ legacies.
“Because of feeding, our legends are stripping themselves of the last ounce of credibility. Kids won’t eat legacy sha, they feed off the currency,” a user lamented.
“He’s Still Alive And Fighting Court Cases!”
Critics also questioned the ethics of dramatizing VeryDarkMan’s life while he’s still embroiled in legal battles, including cyberbullying charges and public feuds with celebrities like Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo.
“Why make a movie about someone who hasn’t even resolved his own controversies?” asked an Instagram user.
“It’s like filming a man while he’s still bleeding.”
Even some supporters expressed discomfort, fearing the film could escalate tensions.
Gentle Jack’s Casting: A Hit Or A Miss?
The choice of Gentle Jack—a Nollywood veteran known for his tough-guy roles—has polarized audiences.
“Gentle Jack as VDM? That’s like casting Kanayo O. Kanayo as Davido. It just doesn’t add up!” a YouTube commenter joked.
“VDM is fire, chaos, and Gen Z energy. Jack is… old Nollywood thunder.”
Producer Defends Project: “We’re Telling The Story Of A Generation”
Producer Anaele Ugochukwu Dominic defended the movie’s creation, emphasizing its importance as a reflection of modern youth activism and social media justice warriors.
“VeryDarkMan represents a growing voice of dissatisfaction. Whether you love or hate him, you can’t deny his impact,” Dominic told reporters.
Still, many online believe the film’s timing and approach are questionable.
“Tell the story after the dust settles. Not while the man’s still coughing in courtrooms,” one critic argued.
VDM Reacts: “They’re Using My Name For Fame”
Though no official statement has been released by VeryDarkMan, social media buzz suggests he’s aware—and possibly furious—about the portrayal.
“They didn’t seek permission. They just saw my name trending and jumped on it. That’s not tribute, that’s theft,” a fan quoted him as saying in a now-deleted Instagram story.
Public Divided: Social Commentary Or Exploitation?
With the full movie now available on YouTube, Nigerians remain deeply split. Is VeryDarkBlackMan a timely cultural commentary, or just another case of Nollywood capitalizing on viral fame for profit?
“Let’s be honest, if it wasn’t about VDM, would anyone even care about this movie?” tweeted one viewer.
Final Thought
Whether VeryDarkBlackMan becomes a box-office hit or fades into controversy, it’s clear that in Nollywood, controversy still sells—but at what cost?
