According to Deadline, Martin Lawrence is developing a prequel to Martin. Young Martin is a new hourlong drama series from Lawrence‘s production company, RunTelDat, in collaboration with Marvin Peart‘s WonderHill Studios.
Young Martin will focus on the teenage years of Martin Payne as he navigates the complexities of growing into adulthood. Set in modern-day Detroit, the series will pay homage to the iconic 90s sitcom, exploring themes of family, friendship, and life challenges. This fresh take aims to connect both new and longtime fans of the original series.
“Out of all the hit shows during the 90’s, there was only one Martin — a show that defined culture and positivity. Martin reflected a real group of friends from our community that wound up on TV screens all over the world,” WonderHill CEO Marvin Peart said to Deadline. “I respected and revered Martin Lawrence for creating Martin Payne and what he did for African Americans on television in front and behind the camera. In many ways, he influenced my path in the entertainment industry and it’s an honor to partner with Martin and his younger self and share him with the next generation of fans.”
Martin Lawrence is following in the footsteps of his Bad Boys co-star Will Smith who has also seen success in rebooting and dramatizing his hit TV show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
