Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Episode: Secrets from ‘The Best Man’ & ‘Girls Trip 2’ Tea with Malcolm D. Lee
Guest: Malcolm D. Lee
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Keke Palmer
Duration: ~55 min (content summary only)

Episode Overview

This episode of "Baby, This is Keke Palmer" features acclaimed director, producer, and screenwriter Malcolm D. Lee, known for iconic Black films such as The Best Man, Girls Trip, Barbershop 3, and Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins. Keke and Malcolm dive into his creative journey, the evolution and impact of The Best Man franchise (including its latest novel form), behind-the-scenes casting secrets, the state of Black cinema, developing Girls Trip 2, and the ongoing mission to authentically portray Black stories in Hollywood.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Malcolm D. Lee’s Multi-Faceted Career & Current Projects

Malcolm describes juggling multiple projects: a new book ("Best Man: Unfinished Business"), promoting his bourbon brand, and editing his first-ever erotic thriller for Blumhouse starring Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, and Lynn Whitfield (03:10).
- “It’s probably the sexiest movie I’ve ever done.” (Malcolm D. Lee, 04:07)
- He shares the challenge of shifting from comedy to thriller but notes the similar rhythmic “payoff” in both genres—waiting for a laugh vs. a scare (03:45).

The Best Man Legacy & New Novel

The novel “Best Man: Unfinished Business” picks up after the Peacock series, focusing on Harper, Robin, and Jordan’s post-divorce journeys. Robin is running a restaurant in Ghana, Harper is in Brooklyn Heights, and Jordan is reinventing herself in Malibu (08:41-09:21).
- “We get inside these characters’ brains in ways that we have not done with these characters so far.” (Malcolm D. Lee, 09:45)
The move to a novel was inspired by creative restrictions of filmmaking and the desire to go deeper: “I always fantasized about being a novelist…using some characters already established that have backstory, and just say, like, okay, let’s see where we can go with this.” (06:52-08:23)
The book’s structure allows expanded points of view for each main character and is described as immersive, activating “all five senses” for the reader (09:34).

Filmmaking Origins & Getting The Best Man Made

The film was actually Malcolm’s 6th screenplay, originally inspired by the lack of meaty roles for Black actors—he wrote it imagining Will and Jada Smith in the leads (10:13-16:56).
Malcolm credits Spike Lee (his cousin) for championing his work and pushing studios: “He’s the kind of person that said, you know, here’s the movie we’re making, and let’s go. You want to do it? Let’s go. And if you’re not in, we’re going somewhere else.” (12:12)
Noteworthy script changes included Robin (Sanaa Lathan’s character) originally not attending the wedding, which later changed at the producers’ suggestion—creating more character pressure and narrative payoff (13:02).

Secrets & Stories from Casting

Each role had high-profile names in mind; Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith inspired early versions. Sanaa Lathan won the part by setting the bar in auditions; Wood Harris and Michael Jai White also read for key roles (16:24-18:42).
Fun fact: Regina King read for Jordan, and Steve Harris nearly played Lance.
Keke asks who Malcolm would cast her as: “You’re Jordan.” (Malcolm D. Lee, 18:59)

The Best Man: Cultural Impact & Thematic Choices

Malcolm discusses the emotional complexity of the wedding scene, why he used flashbacks, and how he strove to challenge patriarchal ideas of women’s purity and perfection:
- “It was his comeuppance. But he’s the only one of those characters that could have done that because of his faith in God.” (15:25)
The film subverted stereotypes, showcasing “eight healthy roles for Black actors…not just the hoe, gangster, sidekick, or sassy one” (17:00).

The Economics & Realities of Black Filmmaking

Discussion of the “$10 million rule” for Black films: to guarantee studio support, budgets have to stay low—though Girls Trip proved breakout potential by grossing $148 million worldwide (25:00-26:56).
“Movies are about timing…Best man was the right script at the right time. Girls Trip was the right movie at the right time.” (26:59-27:08)
On Black storytelling: “Everything I’ve tried to do, they’re universal stories with cultural specificity.” (29:56-30:19)

Girls Trip 2 and Sequels

Girls Trip 2 is in development, but Malcolm is determined that the sequel must meet or exceed the original’s expectations, emphasizing the importance of script quality and preparation (30:24-30:59).

The Fate of Modern Rom-Coms

Malcolm and Keke mourn the absence of big-screen Black romantic comedies—a golden era replaced by streaming and longer-form TV. Malcolm hopes for a return: “I would love to see a big romantic comedy come back. Like When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall. Those are so much my favorite movies.” (35:00-35:27)
They toy with collaborating on Malcolm’s earlier unproduced script Feast and Famine, with “Damson Idris” suggested as a dream lead (35:45-36:24).

Fact or Fiction: IMDb Trivia Round

Clearing up Internet rumors:
- Taraji P. Henson was not offered Dina in Girls Trip (39:11).
- Lorenz Tate was not offered the lead in The Best Man for being similar to his Love Jones character, despite what’s reported online (40:11).

Industry Lessons & Advice

On early career mistakes: Malcolm warns against being too precious or tunnel-visioned early on—“could have been a lot more open to opportunities…You never know what’s going to go right” (41:00-42:18).
For new filmmakers: “It is an industry of relationships. You have to have something that people want…The best man was the right script at the right time.” He sees today’s challenge as “standing out in a crowded market” and urges younger creators to define their voice (47:00-47:56).

Representation, Authenticity, and Legacy

Malcolm describes his intent: “I love Black men. I love us…I really wasn’t seeing us prior to doing Best man in a way that I thought was authentic. And so I’m always gonna protect us.” (45:13)
Keke expresses gratitude for Malcolm’s nuanced, authentic portrayals, recalling the joy of seeing Black professionals and relatable family dynamics onscreen as a child (45:48-46:15).
They discuss how Black male characters are often flattened in media, and how films like The Best Man created space for alternatives—“We exist.” (46:39)

Personal Tidbits

Malcolm credits his wife, Dr. Camille (a psychotherapist), for being his support and inspiration; together for 31 years and three sons (50:08-50:27)
Keke leads “Malcolm Knows Best,” a fun rapid-fire round (51:21):
- Favorite Best Man installment? “Best Man: Unfinished Business” (the book) (51:53)
- Best modern Black rom-com? “Love Jones” (52:15)
- Sitcom that raised him? “The Cosby Show” (52:45)
- Comedy icon? Eddie Murphy—“Eddie Murphy, period.” (53:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On becoming a novelist:
“I fantasized about being a novelist…using some characters already established…let’s see where we can go with this.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (08:23)
On story universality:
“These are universal stories…with cultural specificity—about love, about friendship, about family…settings that people can all relate to.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (30:07)
On diversity and pride in representation:
“I love black men. I love us. I love how we interact…so I’m always gonna protect us.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (45:13)
On success and humility:
“When I turned 50, I was like, eh, I don’t care. Whatever.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (04:58)
On film timing and marketing:
“You can be an artist, but you could also be a starving artist. I didn’t want to starve. I wanted to make something people would understand and be digestible.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (28:10)

Useful Timestamps

03:10 – Malcolm on current film projects and new genres
06:52 – Why he turned Best Man into a novel
09:41 – Exploring characters more deeply in the book
10:13 – Writing and pitching The Best Man (origin story)
13:02 – Major script change: Robin attends the wedding
16:55 – Initial dream cast & the real audition stories
30:24 – On the challenge of making Girls Trip 2
35:00 – The decline of big-screen Black romantic comedies
39:11 – Fact or fiction: IMDb rumors addressed
41:00 – Early mistakes and industry advice
45:13 – Authenticity in Black male representation
51:21 – “Malcolm Knows Best” rapid-fire round

Tone & Style

Highly conversational, playful, and insightful
Keke’s energy is bright, animated, and deeply appreciative
Malcolm is reflective, candid, witty—and occasionally self-deprecating
The discussion blends nostalgia with insightful critique and forward-looking optimism

For New Listeners

This episode is a compelling masterclass for anyone curious about Black Hollywood’s history, the making of beloved films, the business behind the art, and how representation on screen is both constructed and fought for. It’s packed with behind-the-scenes stories, actionable career lessons, and plenty of love for Black storytelling.

For more, find “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” wherever you get your podcasts!

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Malcolm D. Lee’s Multi-Faceted Career & Current Projects

Malcolm describes juggling multiple projects: a new book ("Best Man: Unfinished Business"), promoting his bourbon brand, and editing his first-ever erotic thriller for Blumhouse starring Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, and Lynn Whitfield (03:10).
- “It’s probably the sexiest movie I’ve ever done.” (Malcolm D. Lee, 04:07)
- He shares the challenge of shifting from comedy to thriller but notes the similar rhythmic “payoff” in both genres—waiting for a laugh vs. a scare (03:45).

The Best Man Legacy & New Novel

The novel “Best Man: Unfinished Business” picks up after the Peacock series, focusing on Harper, Robin, and Jordan’s post-divorce journeys. Robin is running a restaurant in Ghana, Harper is in Brooklyn Heights, and Jordan is reinventing herself in Malibu (08:41-09:21).
- “We get inside these characters’ brains in ways that we have not done with these characters so far.” (Malcolm D. Lee, 09:45)
The move to a novel was inspired by creative restrictions of filmmaking and the desire to go deeper: “I always fantasized about being a novelist…using some characters already established that have backstory, and just say, like, okay, let’s see where we can go with this.” (06:52-08:23)
The book’s structure allows expanded points of view for each main character and is described as immersive, activating “all five senses” for the reader (09:34).

Filmmaking Origins & Getting The Best Man Made

The film was actually Malcolm’s 6th screenplay, originally inspired by the lack of meaty roles for Black actors—he wrote it imagining Will and Jada Smith in the leads (10:13-16:56).
Malcolm credits Spike Lee (his cousin) for championing his work and pushing studios: “He’s the kind of person that said, you know, here’s the movie we’re making, and let’s go. You want to do it? Let’s go. And if you’re not in, we’re going somewhere else.” (12:12)
Noteworthy script changes included Robin (Sanaa Lathan’s character) originally not attending the wedding, which later changed at the producers’ suggestion—creating more character pressure and narrative payoff (13:02).

Secrets & Stories from Casting

Each role had high-profile names in mind; Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith inspired early versions. Sanaa Lathan won the part by setting the bar in auditions; Wood Harris and Michael Jai White also read for key roles (16:24-18:42).
Fun fact: Regina King read for Jordan, and Steve Harris nearly played Lance.
Keke asks who Malcolm would cast her as: “You’re Jordan.” (Malcolm D. Lee, 18:59)

The Best Man: Cultural Impact & Thematic Choices

Malcolm discusses the emotional complexity of the wedding scene, why he used flashbacks, and how he strove to challenge patriarchal ideas of women’s purity and perfection:
- “It was his comeuppance. But he’s the only one of those characters that could have done that because of his faith in God.” (15:25)
The film subverted stereotypes, showcasing “eight healthy roles for Black actors…not just the hoe, gangster, sidekick, or sassy one” (17:00).

The Economics & Realities of Black Filmmaking

Discussion of the “$10 million rule” for Black films: to guarantee studio support, budgets have to stay low—though Girls Trip proved breakout potential by grossing $148 million worldwide (25:00-26:56).
“Movies are about timing…Best man was the right script at the right time. Girls Trip was the right movie at the right time.” (26:59-27:08)
On Black storytelling: “Everything I’ve tried to do, they’re universal stories with cultural specificity.” (29:56-30:19)

Girls Trip 2 and Sequels

Girls Trip 2 is in development, but Malcolm is determined that the sequel must meet or exceed the original’s expectations, emphasizing the importance of script quality and preparation (30:24-30:59).

The Fate of Modern Rom-Coms

Malcolm and Keke mourn the absence of big-screen Black romantic comedies—a golden era replaced by streaming and longer-form TV. Malcolm hopes for a return: “I would love to see a big romantic comedy come back. Like When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall. Those are so much my favorite movies.” (35:00-35:27)
They toy with collaborating on Malcolm’s earlier unproduced script Feast and Famine, with “Damson Idris” suggested as a dream lead (35:45-36:24).

Fact or Fiction: IMDb Trivia Round

Clearing up Internet rumors:
- Taraji P. Henson was not offered Dina in Girls Trip (39:11).
- Lorenz Tate was not offered the lead in The Best Man for being similar to his Love Jones character, despite what’s reported online (40:11).

Industry Lessons & Advice

On early career mistakes: Malcolm warns against being too precious or tunnel-visioned early on—“could have been a lot more open to opportunities…You never know what’s going to go right” (41:00-42:18).
For new filmmakers: “It is an industry of relationships. You have to have something that people want…The best man was the right script at the right time.” He sees today’s challenge as “standing out in a crowded market” and urges younger creators to define their voice (47:00-47:56).

Representation, Authenticity, and Legacy

Malcolm describes his intent: “I love Black men. I love us…I really wasn’t seeing us prior to doing Best man in a way that I thought was authentic. And so I’m always gonna protect us.” (45:13)
Keke expresses gratitude for Malcolm’s nuanced, authentic portrayals, recalling the joy of seeing Black professionals and relatable family dynamics onscreen as a child (45:48-46:15).
They discuss how Black male characters are often flattened in media, and how films like The Best Man created space for alternatives—“We exist.” (46:39)

Personal Tidbits

Malcolm credits his wife, Dr. Camille (a psychotherapist), for being his support and inspiration; together for 31 years and three sons (50:08-50:27)
Keke leads “Malcolm Knows Best,” a fun rapid-fire round (51:21):
- Favorite Best Man installment? “Best Man: Unfinished Business” (the book) (51:53)
- Best modern Black rom-com? “Love Jones” (52:15)
- Sitcom that raised him? “The Cosby Show” (52:45)
- Comedy icon? Eddie Murphy—“Eddie Murphy, period.” (53:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On becoming a novelist:
“I fantasized about being a novelist…using some characters already established…let’s see where we can go with this.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (08:23)
On story universality:
“These are universal stories…with cultural specificity—about love, about friendship, about family…settings that people can all relate to.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (30:07)
On diversity and pride in representation:
“I love black men. I love us. I love how we interact…so I’m always gonna protect us.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (45:13)
On success and humility:
“When I turned 50, I was like, eh, I don’t care. Whatever.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (04:58)
On film timing and marketing:
“You can be an artist, but you could also be a starving artist. I didn’t want to starve. I wanted to make something people would understand and be digestible.”
— Malcolm D. Lee (28:10)

Useful Timestamps

03:10 – Malcolm on current film projects and new genres
06:52 – Why he turned Best Man into a novel
09:41 – Exploring characters more deeply in the book
10:13 – Writing and pitching The Best Man (origin story)
13:02 – Major script change: Robin attends the wedding
16:55 – Initial dream cast & the real audition stories
30:24 – On the challenge of making Girls Trip 2
35:00 – The decline of big-screen Black romantic comedies
39:11 – Fact or fiction: IMDb rumors addressed
41:00 – Early mistakes and industry advice
45:13 – Authenticity in Black male representation
51:21 – “Malcolm Knows Best” rapid-fire round

Tone & Style

Highly conversational, playful, and insightful
Keke’s energy is bright, animated, and deeply appreciative
Malcolm is reflective, candid, witty—and occasionally self-deprecating
The discussion blends nostalgia with insightful critique and forward-looking optimism

For New Listeners

For more, find “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” wherever you get your podcasts!

Secrets from ‘The Best Man’ & ‘Girls Trip 2’ Tea with Malcolm D. Lee

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Summary

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Malcolm D. Lee’s Multi-Faceted Career & Current Projects

The Best Man Legacy & New Novel

Filmmaking Origins & Getting The Best Man Made

Secrets & Stories from Casting

The Best Man: Cultural Impact & Thematic Choices

The Economics & Realities of Black Filmmaking

Girls Trip 2 and Sequels

The Fate of Modern Rom-Coms

Fact or Fiction: IMDb Trivia Round

Industry Lessons & Advice

Representation, Authenticity, and Legacy

Personal Tidbits

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Useful Timestamps

Tone & Style

For New Listeners

Summary

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Malcolm D. Lee’s Multi-Faceted Career & Current Projects

The Best Man Legacy & New Novel

Filmmaking Origins & Getting The Best Man Made

Secrets & Stories from Casting

The Best Man: Cultural Impact & Thematic Choices

The Economics & Realities of Black Filmmaking

Girls Trip 2 and Sequels

The Fate of Modern Rom-Coms

Fact or Fiction: IMDb Trivia Round

Industry Lessons & Advice

Representation, Authenticity, and Legacy

Personal Tidbits

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Useful Timestamps

Tone & Style

For New Listeners