Marsai Martin is Black History Month personified. After starring ABC’s Black-ish for five seasons, the young actress decided to take another big step in 2019. In January, she became the youngest Black woman to executive produce a major film. Her next movie, Little, co-starring Issa Rae, is set to be released later this year. This month, Martin broke down another major barrier in the movie industry.
This week, Marsai Martin made history yet again as she became the youngest black woman to ever sign a first look movie deal with a major studio. Earlier this week, Martin finalized the details of a future first look movie deal with Universal Pictures. After the news became public, Peter Cramer of Universal Pictures stated, “Working with emerging talent is a cornerstone of Universal’s overall slate strategy, and Marsai is a star on the rise.” He later added, “She is not only tremendously talented in front of the camera but offers a unique perspective as a creator and producer that will resonate with all audiences.”
The first film set to be developed under this deal is called Step Monster, a comedy about a teenage girl adjusting to life with her new step mother. By joining Universal Pictures, Martin will also have the opportunity to work with fellow Universal Pictures creators such as Malcolm D. Lee, Will Packer and Jordan Peele.
