Harold Perrineau’s ‘secret plan’ to bring back ‘The Best Man’ one last time

As a fan of both captivating storytelling and exceptional acting, I find myself deeply moved by the career trajectory of Morris Chestnut. From his unforgettable portrayal of Julian “Murch” Murchison in “The Best Man,” to his groundbreaking role in the phenomenon that was “Lost,” and now as Boyd Stevens in “From,” Morris has consistently showcased his versatility and fearless approach to character development.

Harold Perrineau has achieved numerous notable milestones throughout his versatile career – portraying Augustus Hill in the HBO prison drama “Oz”, Michael Dawson, a castaway, on ABC’s “Lost”, and Boyd Stevens, fighting both human and non-human adversaries, in MGM+’s horror series “From”. However, there is one specific project he has not yet relinquished.

In “The Best Man,” which premiered on October 22, 1999, Perrineau was part of an attractive cast. This romantic comedy revolves around a group of college friends who experience both delightful moments and turbulent times as two of them prepare to wed, causing a reunion among the group. Unlike many films that portrayed turmoil within Black communities at the time, “The Best Man” stood out by featuring young, elegant, and affluent Black characters navigating professional and personal challenges.

A significant number of actors from this movie went on to achieve prominence, such as Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Terrence Howard, Nia Long, Regina Hall, and Melissa De Sousa. Their fame inspired the writer-director, Malcolm D. Lee, to continue the tale in the 2013 film “The Best Man Holiday” and the 2022 Peacock limited series “The Best Man: The Final Chapters.

Despite Lee’s claim that he was concluding the story with “Final Chapters,” Perrineau isn’t ready to part ways just yet. He’s banking on their friendship and a fair amount of bourbon to persuade Lee to reconsider reviving “The Best Man.

The team comprising of Perrineau, Lee, Chestnut, and Diggs have partnered up with Bespoken Spirits to create Sable, a bourbon that carries hints of mocha and dark chocolate, which Diggs describes as a reflection of the strong bond shared among the quartet.

However, Perrineau confesses that there’s another motive for the liquor. “Sharing a bourbon with you,” he explains, “is actually part of a hidden scheme to persuade Malcolm to pen one more chapter. He might oblige. Or he might not. If he doesn’t, we’ll still have our shared memories of Sable as a means to keep our bond alive for as long as possible.

Under the direction of Spike Lee, Lee’s cousin, the movie “The Best Man” features Morris Chestnut as the character Harper Stewart, a promising author whose debut book, “Unfinished Business,” gains significant attention when it gets selected for Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club. The novel stirs up complications as Harper and his group reassemble in Chicago for the wedding of former playboy football star Lance Sullivan and his long-time sweetheart, Mia Morgan. In this gathering, Harper serves as Sullivan’s best man.

In a period when there weren’t many depictions of young African Americans beyond those from the urban environment, Perrineau stated. Our characters were all recent college graduates, navigating life and discovering their paths, struggling to understand things. They didn’t fit into any stereotypes. Instead, they were relatable individuals who hadn’t been portrayed on screen before.

Perrineau noted that this portrayal resonated with both Black audiences and mainstream viewers. He explained, “It’s an incredibly American tale, depicting aspirations we strive for not just within our own nation but globally. The audience responded positively to this.

The strong bond among the actors significantly contributes to the movie’s charm: “There was a unique magic between us that clearly translates in the film,” he mentioned. “We’ve become great friends off-set, and though we may not always be together, our affection for each other is evident.

Several performers were already garnering attention prior to their roles in the film. Diggs, who was a part of the initial Broadway cast of “Rent,” had established himself as a heartthrob following his breakout performance as the romantic lead opposite Angela Bassett in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Meanwhile, Chestnut and Long shared the screen together in “Boyz N the Hood.” Additionally, Perrineau and De Sousa had previously danced with Alvin Ailey’s dance troupe.

In “The Best Man,” actress Hall makes her first appearance in a leading role. She has garnered recognition for various projects such as “Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul,” “Support the Girls,” and the TV series “Nine Perfect Strangers.” In this movie, she portrays a character named Candy, who has an unforgettable scene with Perrineau. During a bachelor party, Candy gives Murchison, Julian’s henpecked youth counselor, an energetic lap dance that leaves a lasting impression. Interestingly, Candy and Murchison end up getting married in the sequels to this film.

Regina is fearless, according to Perrineau, and this has been true throughout time. Since we both studied acting in New York, we spoke the same ‘acting language.’ Regina is very attractive, making it effortless for me to be drawn to her. Eventually, we got married. These characters are deeply in love,” (paraphrased version)

A notable aspect of the movie is its climactic scene, where the song “Candy” by Cameo incites the wedding attendees to flood the dance floor and perform the Electric Slide.

Between “The Best Man” and “The Best Man Holiday,” Perrineau became a regular cast member in the hit show “Lost.” This year marks the 20th anniversary of the series, which has left audiences talking passionately ever since about its premiere. The show centers around a group of plane crash survivors stranded on a mysterious island, and even today it remains a topic of intense discussion, especially regarding its divisive finale.

Perrineau expressed his continued amazement over “Lost.” He considered it revolutionary television. In the initial season, he noted, the actors mirrored their characters, all finding themselves stranded on an enigmatic island that left everyone bewildered. It wasn’t until they returned to the mainland that they realized how many viewers were captivated by the show and its popularity.

The team behind the production and scriptwriting crafted a captivating mystery and characters worth supporting wholeheartedly. It was exceptional storytelling that continues to resonate over time,” he remarked. “Working on this project was unique as none of us knew what twists and turns were coming next. We only received the scripts a week ahead, which added an element of surprise and excitement. This show significantly impacted my career, and I remain proud of it. I’m eternally grateful for the chance to be part of it, even considering the controversies.

Jack Bender, the executive producer from “Lost,” and the actor have teamed up again on “From,” a highly-acclaimed show on MGM+. Similar to “Lost,” this series is set in a remote town that captures anyone who ventures there, creating an intriguing parallel.

Perrineau portrays Boyd Stevens, a local self-proclaimed sheriff, who’s struggling to maintain peace in the community while battling his personal apprehensions and wounds. The situation becomes even more challenging due to dangerous nighttime creatures disguised as humans, posing a persistent menace.

Let me be honest – it’s quite enjoyable taking the main role,” I shared with a broad grin. “The cast is simply phenomenal, and everyone is giving their all. It manages to achieve what entertainment ought to: captivating me for an hour every week, making me forget about politics or conflicts. I watch it not just as an actor, but as a fan.

And don’t ask him to reveal any of the mysteries propelling the plot. He doesn’t have any answers.

As a movie enthusiast, I admitted, “I’m clueless! I simply ask the screenwriters, ‘Give me just enough information to complete this week’s task.’

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2024-10-22 13:32