Marlon Wayans is teaming up with Starz to develop a new comedy series, according to a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter.
The new series, titled Book of Marlon, will be inspired by the life and career of Wayans, with Marlon and his producing partner Rick Alvarez writing the pilot episode alongside Diallo Riddle and Bashir Salahuddin — the co-creators of HBO Max’s South Side and IFC/AMC’s Sherman’s Showcase.
Book of Marlon will feature Wayans in the starring role as he plays a fictionalized version of himself who tries to balance being a good person and a loving father.
“We are beyond thrilled to develop this sophisticated and hilarious series with Marlon, Diallo, Bashir, and Rick, who each bring their own level of artistry and authenticity to everything they touch,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz. “I’ve long admired Diallo’s and Bashir’s work, and I’m excited to be working on a project as special as this with the incomparable Marlon Wayans at the center.”
The series marks the second try for Book of Marlon from Wayans and Alvarez, as the series was originally set to go forward under HBO Max, but has since moved to Starz. In a statement on the move, Wayans praised getting to work with Riddle and Salahuddin and said he’s excited to work on the series.
“We’re excited to be in business with such enthusiastic partners. Starz is a big brand, and we are happy to bring some smiles to the table,” said Wayans in a statement. “It’s great to know that we can push the envelope and get into some good, fun trouble with this project on this platform. Diallo and Bashir are good friends and great collaborators. Book of Marlon will be smart, fun, and twisted with a dash of heart and a whole lot of unapologetic humor.”
