Martin Lawrence, creator and star of the iconic Fox sitcom “Martin,” is reportedly developing a prequel series titled “Young Martin,” following a reunion of the show’s cast at this year’s Primetime Emmys. The project, originating from Lawrence’s RunTelDat production company in collaboration with Marvin Peart’s WonderHill Studios, aims to delve into the early life of the beloved character Martin Payne.
Originally airing from 1992 to 1997, “Martin” starred Lawrence alongside Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne II, Thomas Mikal Ford, Tichina Arnold, Garrett Morris, and Jon Gries. Set in Detroit, the series depicted the life of Martin Payne, a witty disc jockey navigating relationships and career aspirations.
“Young Martin” promises a contemporary origin story set in modern-day Detroit. It will explore Martin Payne’s adolescence, capturing the challenges and triumphs of youth and the journey to adulthood. The series aims to reimagine the character while paying homage to the original’s legacy.
Marvin Peart, CEO of WonderHill Studios, praised Lawrence’s impact on television, particularly within African American representation both on-screen and behind the scenes. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate on bringing a younger Martin Payne to new audiences.
Details about the series, including its broadcasting platform, remain scarce as “Young Martin” is still in early development. Fans can anticipate updates as the project progresses towards production or secures a pilot order. With the resurgence of spinoffs and reboots in today’s television landscape, the potential for further exploration of the “Martin” universe remains promising, albeit with details to be unveiled in due time.