The world of Martin is officially expanding, and now another comedy veteran is stepping into the mix. According to Deadline, Kym Whitley has been added to the cast of BET+’s upcoming spinoff Varnell Hill, starring Tommy Davidson.
The series brings back Davidson’s character Varnell Hill, who first appeared in Martin as a flashy TV personality. This time around, the story follows him as he navigates life as the host of his own late-night talk show. The show will explore how Varnell tries to stay relevant in a rapidly changing television world, while juggling the pressures of network executives, stakeholders, and creative teams behind the scenes.
Whitley takes on the role of Kim Jones, Varnell’s loyal assistant. Her character is described as everything from “emotional bodyguard” to “professional fixer,” essentially serving as the show’s unofficial executive producer and the one person keeping Varnell’s empire from falling apart.
Adding even more excitement, Deadline reports that Martin Lawrence himself will appear in multiple episodes, reprising his iconic role as Martin Payne.
The project is co-created and executive produced by Lawrence through his Runteldat Entertainment banner alongside Bentley Evans, who served as both executive producer and showrunner on the original Martin. Evans not only wrote the pilot for Varnell Hill but will also direct and run the series. Additional executive producers include Runteldat Entertainment’s Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor, with Jesse Collins, Andy Horne, and Dionne Harmon also attached.
With Davidson back as Varnell, Whitley stepping into a major role, and Lawrence confirmed to make appearances, Varnell Hill is shaping up to be a must-watch continuation of the Martin legacy.