Fans are just days away from a cast reunion three decades in the making. The surviving actors from the hit ’90s series “Martin” recently gathered for a special event hosted by comedian Affion Crockett, and its trailer already has supporters eager to watch.
“This one’s for you, Tommy,” stars Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II said in unison at the start of the newly released teaser, paying tribute to their late co-star Thomas Mikal Ford, who played Tommy in the series. The actor died on Oct. 12, 2016, at a hospital in the Atlanta area from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. He was 52.
The scene is set in a remake of Martin Payne’s iconic apartment, where the group, which carried out the beloved roles of Detroit-based disc jockey, his girlfriend Gina, her best friend Pam and Martin’s best friend Cole, will welcome a series of guests where they’ll reflect on the iconic series.
The trailer does end with a cliffhanger, with host Crockett asking Martin, “Will there be a Martin reboot?” Still, that hasn’t stopped fan excitement for the upcoming event. Many flocked to the comments section of the YouTube trailer to weigh in, including one user who wrote, “A classic. So glad everyone is getting their flowers. They’re more than well deserved. We still watch this show laughing like it’s the first time. HA!”
Another person commented, “Man I’m so excited about this reunion special!! The chemistry between all 5 cast members was very organic and authentic! Looking forward to listening to the cast speaking and laughing on iconic moments of the show and paying a tribute to the late Tommy!! Martin is a comedic genius and I thank him and the entire cast for giving us 5 seasons of non stop laughter and memories that we will forever cherish!!.”
“I got chills seeing them all together again. There will NEVER be another show like this or even an era like this. RIP Thomas Mikal Ford,” expressed a third online user.
Several viewers recalled growing up watching the cult classic, as did one fan who shared, “Grew up watching Martin and I’m Still watching Martin to this day like they are not reruns.”
“The experience I will never forget. UPN 33 programming provided this show that inspire laughter and deep thought to this day. Very Iconic and talented cast.”
“To be able to sit here thirty years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing,” Lawrence said in a statement captured by the AV Club ahead of the premiere. “I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters.”
The special will also include interviews with the cast and original directors and musical performances. West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg and veteran comedian and actor Tommy Davidson and singer-songwriter Brian McKnight are just some of many special appearances. It’s set to premiere June 16 only on BET+.
