Malcolm D. Lee Still Has ‘Unfinished Business’ With ‘The Best Man’

The visionary behind the iconic rom-com reveals how a new novel trilogy drew him back to the beloved franchise that launched his career over 20 years ago.

When “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” premiered on Peacock in late 2022, fans of the iconic rom-com thought that was officially the end of the road for Harper (Taye Diggs), Jordan (Nia Long), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Lance (Morris Chestnut), Murch (Harold Perrineau), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard) and Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) — and so did creator-director Malcolm D. Lee.

“When I finished the television show, I felt like we had done what we were supposed to do in terms of giving back to the fans and wrapping up the story,” the filmmaker admits, reflecting on the journey that began with his 1999 directorial debut and all-time classic film, “The Best Man.”

Between then and now, Lee’s franchise has endured, first with a sequel film, 2013’s “The Best Man Holiday,” and later an eight-part limited series that reunited its ensemble cast — affectionately dubbed “The Black Pack” — in midlife, as they navigated parenthood, personal invention and their ever-evolving relationships.

The record-setting Peacock show was meant to tie up loose ends and serve as a final farewell for fans. However, when an exciting new opportunity arose for Lee to revive his beloved franchise, he jumped at the chance, and in the most fitting, full-circle way.

Devoted fans of “The Best Man” will remember that Harper’s provocative debut novel, “Unfinished Business,” exposed his one-night stand with his college best friend’s bride, thus setting off the explosive chain of drama that ensued in the original film. The repercussions of the scandalous book rippled through “The Best Man Holiday” and, more subtly, in “The Final Chapters.”