Podcast Title: The Breakfast Club
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: INTERVIEW: Malcolm D. Lee On 'The Best Man,' Spike Lee, Sable Bourbon, Essence, Peacock; Career Success +More
Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Angela Yee welcome acclaimed writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee. Known for his influential works such as The Best Man, Girls Trip, Night School, and The Best Man Final Chapter, Lee delves deep into his creative journey, the evolution of his franchise, and the intricacies of maintaining cultural integrity within commercial frameworks.

Malcolm D. Lee's Career and 'The Best Man' Series

Malcolm D. Lee opens up about the genesis of The Best Man series, detailing how it began as his sixth screenplay. Initially titled My Homeboy's Wedding, Lee sought to create a commercially viable romantic comedy that could fund his independent projects. Reflecting on the series' impact, he shares:

“I always loved the written word... I thought this is a way for me to try novel writing and get the story out to fans quicker.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [02:01]

Transitioning from Movies to Literature

When discussing the decision to continue the Best Man saga through a book rather than expanding into another film or TV show, Lee explains the logistical challenges of reunifying the original cast and the benefits of literary storytelling. He notes:

“It's very difficult to mount a television show and a movie. Getting all those great actors back together, very difficult.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [01:15]

Lee emphasizes that writing a novel allowed for more in-depth character exploration and quicker delivery of new content to fans, bypassing the extensive production timelines of film and television.

Collaboration with Jane Allen

A significant portion of the conversation highlights Lee's collaboration with co-author Jane Allen. Their partnership melds Lee's storytelling prowess with Allen's rich background, enhancing the narrative depth of the Best Man universe. Lee remarks:

“We crafted the story together. I knew the general direction, but Jane brought a different perspective.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [35:59]

Impact of 'The Best Man' on Black Storytelling

Lee passionately discusses his mission to elevate black narratives and normalize black life in America. He states:

“My mission on this earth is to tell elevated stories about black people and make sure our humanity is highlighted.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [21:12]

This commitment is evident in how The Best Man series portrays its characters as multifaceted individuals, moving beyond stereotypes and offering authentic representations.

Challenges with Networks and Platforms

The conversation shifts to the complexities of working with major platforms like Peacock. While the Best Man Final Chapter achieved significant success, Lee addresses the hurdles in securing budgets and creative control for future projects:

“Mounting a show is very difficult, it costs a lot of money. There's a lot of demands and compromises.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [14:49]

He articulates the tension between maintaining creative integrity and meeting commercial expectations, a balancing act critical to sustaining the franchise's authenticity.

Future Plans for the Franchise

Looking ahead, Lee outlines his vision for expanding the Best Man universe through a trilogy of books. Each installment will delve into different characters' perspectives, offering a richer, more nuanced exploration of their lives and relationships. He explains:

“We're going to expand on the story from there... and we have a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of Unfinished Business.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [08:35]

Related Ventures: Sable Bourbon

Beyond his literary and cinematic endeavors, Lee shares his entrepreneurial venture, Sable Bourbon—a brand symbolizing brotherhood and luxury. He describes:

“Sable is another name for black. It's luxurious and emblematic of our friendship and brotherhood.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [38:38]

Sable Bourbon is crafted to encapsulate the essence of the Best Man experience, allowing fans to partake in the camaraderie that defines the series.

Reflections on Love and Character Arcs

Lee delves into the personal reflections embedded within his characters, particularly focusing on themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Discussing Jordan's character arc, he states:

“She’s in therapy right now... trying to choose herself and get herself right.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [35:03]

This introspection serves to humanize the characters, making their journeys relatable and impactful for the audience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the interview wraps up, Malcolm D. Lee reiterates his dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue within the black community through his work:

“I want black men to read the book. I want them engaged and to have a spirited debate.”
— Malcolm D. Lee [36:39]

He emphasizes the importance of storytelling that resonates on both personal and cultural levels, ensuring that The Best Man continues to evolve and inspire future generations.

Notable Quotes

• Malcolm D. Lee [02:01]: “I always loved the written word... I thought this is a way for me to try novel writing and get the story out to fans quicker.”

• Malcolm D. Lee [21:12]: “My mission on this earth is to tell elevated stories about black people and make sure our humanity is highlighted.”

• Malcolm D. Lee [35:03]: “She’s in therapy right now... trying to choose herself and get herself right.”

• Malcolm D. Lee [36:39]: “I want black men to read the book. I want them engaged and to have a spirited debate.”

Key Takeaways

• Creative Evolution: Malcolm D. Lee successfully transitioned The Best Man from film to literature, allowing for deeper character exploration and sustained franchise growth.

• Cultural Integrity: Lee remains committed to authentic black storytelling, balancing commercial viability with meaningful narratives.

• Collaborative Success: Partnering with Jane Allen enriched the storytelling process, bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Sable Bourbon exemplifies Lee's dedication to embedding his creative works into tangible experiences that celebrate brotherhood.

• Future Endeavors: Plans for a trilogy of books signal continued expansion of the Best Man universe, promising further engagement with fans and the community.

Malcolm D. Lee's interview on The Breakfast Club offers a comprehensive look into his creative process, the challenges of maintaining cultural authenticity in mainstream media, and his unwavering dedication to telling impactful black stories.