Martin Lawrence is joining the cast of AMC’s upcoming science-fiction comedy series Demascus. He will recur in the series opposite previously cast series regulars Okieriete Onaodowan, Janet Hubert, Caleb Eberhardt, and Shakira Ja’nai Paye.
The series comes from playwright Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm and AMC Studios and the six-episode series is set to premiere next year on AMC and AMC+.
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The series centers on Demascus (Onaodowan), a 33-year-old Black man who goes on a journey of self-discovery using an innovative new technology that allows him to experience different versions of his own life. The series is described as a comedic, genre-fluid, coming-of-age story. It has a reality-bending premise that explores the gulf between Black male perspectives, while also attempting to answer Demascus’ personal question: “Who am I?”
Lawrence will play Demascus’ irascible Uncle Forty, a man who has seen better days. Despite his failing health, Uncle Forty is eager to be acknowledged as the (currently self-proclaimed) patriarch of the family.
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Hubert will play Dr. Bonnetville, a psychotherapist with a quick wit and a clever mouth. She uses her patented blend of indifference and cutting-edge technology to help her patients in their missions of personal growth.
Eberhardt will play Reed, the best friend of the Bohemian artist in Damascus. Redd is a reformer nerd who stumbles into adulthood and is determined to take Demascus with him.
Paye will play Naomi, a charismatic actress who captures the heart and imagination of Damascus during a chance encounter. It’s a painful lost relationship and he can’t stop asking, “What if?”
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Demascus, picked up in February as part of AMC’s straight-to-series development model, is executive produced by former Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul EP Mark Johnson, via his Gran Via Productions banner. Kirk Moore (American Crime, For Life) and Chisholm serve as co-showrunners. Myki Bajaj of Gran Via is also a producer.
This also marks the first time in 32 years that Hubert is a part of a TV series. She’s most known for playing the first Aunt Viv on the 90s series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Recently, she has appeared in “Love Life” on HBO Max, “Pose” from FX and “The Last OG” on TBS.
Eberhardt played Bob Lee in the 2021 film “Judas and the Black Christ” and also had a recurring role in “Betty” on HBO. Paye has starred in the 2020 movie All Day and a Night as well as episodes of ABC’s Black-ish, NBC’s Grand Crew, and Disney’s Sydney to the Max. Up next, she will appear in the movie “House Party”.