Yo comedy fans get ready for some serious laughs because it's a full-on Wayans family affair happening on TV! Marlon Wayans is officially joining his brother Damon Wayans Sr. and nephew Damon Wayans Jr. on their CBS sitcom Poppa's House . And from what we are hearing it is going to be comedy gold.
Melvin is in Town! Marlon Wayans Plays Poppa's "Annoying" Brother and Chaos Ensues
In the upcoming episode airing on Monday March 24 Marlon is stepping into the role of Melvin Poppa's smooth-talking brother. Melvin rolls into town with one of his signature "get-rich-quick" schemes and you just know things are about to get wild. Poppa who is played by Damon Wayans Sr. is not exactly thrilled to see his brother. He even jokes that Melvin will show up in a tracksuit with a beautiful woman and a tall tale about being broke.
But surprise! Melvin actually arrives looking pretty sharp in a suit and tie even bringing a bottle of wine as a gift. Of course it wouldn't be a Wayans family comedy without some playful jabs. When Poppa points out Melvin is wearing a suit for the first time since his "last trial" Melvin fires back with a funny line about it being his "Shawshank Redemption". These guys already have that classic brotherly banter down.
Family Business: Marlon Begged for the Role and Kim Wayans Stepped in to Direct
Turns out it was Marlon himself who pitched the idea of him guest-starring on Poppa's House. He joked that he loves "begging Damon for work" and thought it would be funny to play Poppa's annoying brother. Damon Sr. liked the idea and the script for "Melvin" episode was born.
Adding to the family vibe the episode is directed by another Wayans sibling their sister Kim Wayans. Damon Sr. mentioned that working with family is "a natural fit". He explained that there is an instant "trust thing" and "chemistry" that takes other actors years to build. When Marlon starts to go off in a certain comedic direction Damon Sr. says he just knows and can either trust Marlon's instincts or steer him back if needed.
Apparently Marlon's comedic energy can be a bit much sometimes. Marlon admits he knows he is "annoying" and Damon Sr. joked they hired Kim to direct specifically because she is the only one who can keep Marlon focused. He described Kim as the "big guns" with a whistle who can get Marlon in line when needed especially because they only have 22 minutes to make each episode work. Marlon agreed that Kim was essential for keeping him in check and on point.
Censors vs. Comedy: Marlon's Humor Might Be Too Hot for CBS?
Marlon is known for his boundary-pushing comedy and apparently that came out on set. Damon Sr. joked that Marlon "does not think about censors" or the length of scenes. He just does what he thinks is funny which Damon Sr. admits is hilarious but maybe "funny on HBO" not always "funny at 8:30 on CBS". Sounds like there were some takes that might be a little too edgy for network television. Marlon even joked that maybe Melvin will only return to Poppa's House if it moves to HBO.
Despite any potential censorship challenges everyone agreed it was great working together again. Damon Sr. even hinted that Melvin could return in the future if schedules and budgets align. He thinks Marlon created a "great character" and "breathed life into a three-dimensional character" that they could bring back. Fingers crossed we see more of shady Uncle Melvin!
Marlon Wayans Praises Damon Wayans Sr.'s "True Genius" and Stand-Up Skills
Marlon has been super vocal about his admiration for his older brother Damon Sr.'s comedic talent. He calls Damon Sr. his "all-time favorite artist" even putting him in the same category as comedy legends like Richard Pryor Eddie Murphy Jim Carrey and Robin Williams. That's some high praise!
Marlon sees Damon Sr. as the "quintessential artist in the family" because he is "fearless in discovering all the different levels of skill that he has". He says watching Damon Sr. do stand-up actually inspired him to try stand-up himself even though it was intimidating at first. He was impressed by Damon Sr.'s ability to not just tell jokes but to create characters do sketches and use the stage to write and act. Marlon says he strives to be that kind of comedian too calling Damon Sr. a huge influence on him and many others.
Interestingly Marlon mentioned that Damon Sr.'s short stint on Saturday Night Live back in the 80s might not have been the best showcase for his talents. Damon Sr. was actually fired from SNL for improvising during a sketch. Marlon thinks that experience was frustrating for his brother because SNL didn't really let him "do what he does". But he still sees "makings of a true genius" even in Damon Sr.'s SNL work.
Essence Atkins: Wayans Family Love Interest Expert?
Adding to the family fun Essence Atkins is also in the "Melvin" episode of Poppa's House playing Ivy who is potentially a love interest for Damon Sr.'s character Poppa. This is not Essence's first time working with the Wayans family. She joked that she just needs to be Kim Wayans' love interest to complete the "trifecta" of dating all the Wayans brothers on screen.
Essence has played Marlon's ex-wife on his sitcom and Shawn Wayans' girlfriend in the movie Dance Flick. She says "it’s always going to be an immediate yes when I hear ‘Wayans’" and that working with them is "always such a pleasant professional and fun experience". She feels like an "honorary member of the family" at this point after six projects with them. She even joked that working with the Wayans family is like medicine for the soul.
In Poppa's House Essence's character Ivy is a co-host at Poppa's radio show and there is definitely some romantic tension brewing. Initially they thought Poppa and Ivy would get together quickly but Essence thinks it is better that they are becoming friends first. She likes that their relationship is building slowly with "respect" and "admiration" and that they are being cautious about moving forward. She teases that there will be moments this season where you will be rooting for them to become more than friends. We will be watching!
Key Highlights of Marlon Wayans on Poppa's House:
- Family Reunion: Marlon Wayans guest stars alongside Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr. in the "Melvin" episode of Poppa's House.
- Brotherly Banter: Marlon plays Melvin Poppa's shady and "annoying" brother bringing comedic chaos.
- Directed by Kim Wayans: Their sister Kim Wayans directed the episode keeping Marlon focused and the comedy on track.
- Censorship Jokes: Marlon's humor might push CBS boundaries with jokes potentially better suited for HBO.
- Essence Atkins Returns: Essence Atkins reunites with the Wayans family as a potential love interest for Damon Sr.'s Poppa.
- Marlon Praises Damon Sr.: Marlon calls Damon Sr. a comedic "genius" and his "all-time favorite artist" highlighting his stand-up talent.
- Future Melvin Appearances? Possibility of Marlon returning as Melvin in future episodes if schedules and budgets allow.