Martin Lawrence to Produce Drama Prequel ‘Young Martin’

Martin Lawrence is taking his iconic sitcom “Martin” back to its roots with a dramatic prequel set in Detroit, titled “Young Martin.” This reboot, co-produced by Lawrence’s RunTelDat and Marvin Peart’s WonderHill Studios, will follow a teenage Martin Payne navigating the challenges of growing up.

Renowned comedian and actor Martin Lawrence is venturing into new territory by rebooting his classic sitcom “Martin” with a dramatic twist. Titled “Young Martin,” this hour-long drama series will explore the formative years of Martin Payne, the character originally brought to life by Lawrence himself. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Detroit, “Young Martin” aims to depict the teenage years of Payne, an energetic and ambitious young man grappling with the complexities of adolescence.

This new direction mirrors the approach taken by another iconic 1990s sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which was reimagined as the serious series “Bel-Air,” produced by Lawrence’s “Bad Boys” co-star, Will Smith. “Young Martin” promises to deliver a similar transformation, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling and relatable life lessons.

Produced under Lawrence’s RunTelDat production company alongside Marvin Peart’s WonderHill Studios, “Young Martin” seeks to capture the essence of the original series while appealing to a new generation of viewers. The original “Martin” series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, was a cultural phenomenon known for its hilarious antics, memorable characters, and Martin Lawrence’s versatile performances, including unforgettable portrayals of characters like Sheneneh Jenkins and Roscoe.

With “Young Martin,” fans can expect a fresh yet nostalgic journey back to Detroit, where it all began. The series will delve into the life of a teenage Martin Payne, whose humor, ambition, and concern for others drive him through the trials and triumphs of transitioning from youth to adulthood. This dramatic reboot is poised to offer a unique blend of humor and drama, paying homage to the original series while providing a contemporary take on the beloved character’s early years.