Martin Lawrence is the latest to join the cast of AMC’s upcoming series Demascus, joining Okieriete Onaodowan, Janet Hubert and more.
He joins the show, which will premiere next year on AMC and AMC+, in a recurring role.
The series is created by playwright Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm and produced via AMC Studios.
Starring Okieriete Onaodowan as the 33-year-old title character, the series follows Demascus as he learns more about himself through a new technology that allows himself to live different versions of his life.
The series is described as "a comedic, genre-fluid, coming-of-age story with a reality-bending premise that explores the gulf between Black male perspectives, while also attempting to answer Demascus' personal question: 'Who am I?'"
Lawrence’s character, Demascus’ character Uncle Forty, is described as a quick-tempered man with failing health. His claim to fame is his insistence on being known as the head of Demascus’ family.
Lawrence joins an already-set cast including Hubert, Shakira Ja’nai Paye and Caleb Eberhardt.
Chisholm and Kirk Moore are co-showrunners, with Mark Johnson producing through his company, Gran Via. Gran Via's Myki Bajaj is also producing.
Moore tweeted about Lawrence joining the cast, writing, “What I’m most excited about is that you’ll get to see Martin Lawrence’s raaaaaaaaaange. Uncle 40 will make you laugh, make you think, scare you a little bit and he may even break your heart. Martin is acting is face off!”
What I’m most excited about is that you’ll get to see Martin Lawrence’s raaaaaaaaaange. Uncle 40 will make you laugh, make you think, scare you a little bit and he may even break your heart. Martin is acting is face off!
— SupposedFemTweeter (@KirkWrites79) July 15, 2022
Along with bringing Lawrence back to television, 'Demascus' has also been praised for recognizing Hubert's talents, which have been underutilized on television.
Hubert, who plays psychotherapist Dr. Bonnetville, wrote about her role on Instagram. As fans of hers know, she was blackballed for years in the industry due to the now-resolved fallout between her and Will Smith from their days on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Hubert wrote how this series is the start of a new chapter.
"My first series in 32 years," she wrote. "I have joined the cast of AMC'S DEMASCUS. I am honored and excited to be a part of this brilliant series!"
Moore also wrote about casting Hubert, saying how proud he was that he gets “to be a part of the experience” of Hubert’s return to television.
The way I’m smiling right now. Janet Hubert’s first series in 32 years and I get to be apart of the experience. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QbuqBtuLVJ
— SupposedFemTweeter (@KirkWrites79) June 15, 2022