Princess J Cubb
MC 301 Contributor
With the release of the movie “Little” on April 12, Marsai Martin has become the youngest executive producer in Hollywood.
Martin is best known for her deadpan, sometimes maniacal role as Diane Johnson in the ABC comedy series “Black-ish”.
Martin co-stars with Regina Hall and Issa Raye in the role of Jordan Sanders, a take-no-prisoners tech entrepreneur who wakes up to discover that a random act of black girl magic has transformed her into the 13 year old version of herself.
According to the Atlantic.com, the “Black-ish” star had the idea for the film when she was 10 years old after falling in love with her mom’s favorite movie, the Tom Hanks film, “Big.” She ended up pitching the idea to “Black-ish” Executive Producer Kenya Barris when she was only 10 years old. Martin stated that she wanted to bring in a modern version of the film starring three beautiful black women.
The Atlantic article confirms that 14 year old Martin now holds the title as the youngest executive producer of a major Hollywood motion picture.
Martin’s co-star, Issa Rae, and her co-stars of “Black-ish” set out on social media to congratulate her on the success of the movie.
“She makes me proud and excited for our next generation and I’m so happy that little black girls everywhere have her to aspire to. Shout out to Carol and Josh for raising a real one. Congrats on the youngest Executive Producer in Hollywood history on killing your first movie,” said Issa Rae on one of her Instagram post.
Yara Shahidi on Twitter said, “This is more than a twitter moment! This is a moment for ALL of us! Go sis GOOOO!!!! @marsaimartin”
In a Rolling Stones review on “Little” the author stated that Martin is the spark plug that keeps the movie from completely sputtering out. Her side-eye alone is worth the price of admission. The Little lady deserves a big hand.
Students at Jackson State University weighed in their thoughts about the youngest executive producer.
Sean Taylor, a senior healthcare administration major from St. Louis, Mo., said that he is proud that a young black lady is calling the shots in Hollywood..
“I wish I was the youngest executive producer in Hollywood,” said Taylor. “That girl is making bank at such a young age.”
Patrick Bridges, a sophomore business management major from St. Louis, Mo., said he has never seen “black-ish” or knew about Martin, but hearing a young black women become executive producer is wonderful.
“It shows that in the black culture we are and can do so much more than what is given to us,” said Bridges, “Big things are changing, not just for the black culture but the culture as a whole.”
Alexis Morgan, a sophomore business management major from New Orleans, La., said that black women can do anything.
“With Martin being the youngest executive producer in Hollywood, it goes to show everyone that black girl magic can be found around the world,” said Morgan.
The movie grossed over $15 million during its opening weekend and has grossed over $17 million since its release.
If you have not seen the movie, it is not too late. The movie is still showing at a theater near you.
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