Dramatic prequel series “Martin” in development by Martin Lawrence and WonderHill Studios

Martin Lawrence gives his sitcom Martin the dramatic Bel Air Treatment.

Deadline reports that Lawrence and his production company RunTelDat The young Martina one-hour drama series. WonderHill Studios is also working on the project; it is the company’s first television project.

According to the point of sale The young Martin will be a “contemporary origin story” about Lawrence’s character Martin Payne, who is described as “a charismatic teenager navigating the complexities of the transition from adolescence to adulthood.”

“Set in what is now Detroit, The young Martin follows Martin Payne, a spirited teenager whose journey is marked by ambition, humor and genuine compassion for those around him,” reports Deadline. “The show will explore themes of family, friendship and life as young Payne walks the fine line between adolescence and adulthood. Martin’s quick wit and magnetic personality draw him into high-stakes situations where he must face obstacles and emotions and ultimately find his way to success.”

Marvin Peart, CEO of WonderHill, said in a statement: “Of all the hit shows of the 90s, there was only one Martin– a show that defined culture and positivity. Martin reflected a real group of friends from our community that was seen on television screens around the world.”

“I respect and admire Martin Lawrence for his creation of Martin Payne and for what he has done in front of and behind the camera for African Americans on television,” Peart continued. “In many ways, he influenced my path in the entertainment industry and it is an honor to work with Martin and his younger self and introduce him to the next generation of fans.”

The dramatic twist sounds very similar to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air eventually led to the dramatic series Bel AirThe drama series became a hit on Peacock and, as we can now see, serves as a model for other sitcoms of the 90s.

It also makes sense that Lawrence decided The young Martin as he also starred with Will Smith in the popular Bad Boys Film series. The latest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Diewas a huge box office success and shows that there is still life in the film series.