Jimmy Kimmel Live! was taken off the air indefinitely on September 17 after the host made controversial remarks about the death of Charlie Kirk. After more than twenty years as a staple of ABC’s late-night lineup, Jimmy Kimmel’s absence leaves a notable void in the television landscape. Actor Marlon Wayans has since voiced his thoughts on the impact of this cancelation.
Speaking at the premiere of his new film, Him, Marlon emphasized how the situation affects the country as a whole.
“What we’re seeing is not something that we – me, myself as a black man has seen before … I just think it’s a shame, and I think every last single American loses because of this,”
he expressed, highlighting the broader cultural implications.
Despite this setback, Marlon conveyed optimism about the future of creators like Jimmy Kimmel, adding,
“But … it’s not an ending [for] guys and artists and voices like Jimmy Kimmel,”
and,
“We have to be courageous, and it’s a new beginning. You can’t stop the dunk. You just made me create a new lane. That’s all.”
Marlon Wayans Discusses His New Film and Industry Wisdom
The conversation also shifted toward Marlon’s career and his ventures into different film genres. When asked about his transition to the horror genre, the host remarked,
“I love seeing you play the horror space,”
and acknowledged Marlon as a versatile performer,
“I look at you as being comedic, but you are a well-rounded, talented actor.”
The discussion turned to Marlon’s advice for his co-star Tyriq Withers regarding fame, to which Marlon quipped,
“I gave his little, stupid ass some advice,”
before describing their talk about material success,
“He’s talking about what kind of car he wants to buy. I said, ‘Man, you better stay in that little raggedy car you got till you get some real money.’ [He’s] like, ‘I want five cars.’ Why? You got one ass.’”
Marlon Explores His Love for Dark and Humorous Characters
Marlon Wayans revealed his attraction to complex roles with a dark humor edge, a passion rooted in his childhood fascination.
“I always love dark characters with a sense of humor,”
he explained, recalling his early connection with iconic horror figures,
“I grew up on Freddy Krueger … I’d love to reboot Freddy.”
This affection for such characters plays a significant role in his selection of projects.
Preparation and Mindset Behind Marlon’s Football Role
In Him, Marlon portrays a football player, a role that required significant physical and mental preparation. He credited two trainers for his transformation, saying,
“I worked with two great trainers, CJ Fit in New Mexico and Adam Quinter, aka The Guru … Adam got me mentally ready, a lot of mental preparation … I did a whole lot of therapy, … breathing exercises, a lot of walking and then weight training.”
However, Marlon emphasized that embodying the character’s spirit was paramount, stating it all came down to
“owning the spirit of the character.”
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Marlon Wayans’ reaction to Jimmy Kimmel’s cancelation underscores a tense moment within American culture, reflecting concerns about freedom of expression and the pressures on entertainers today. His remarks suggest the loss goes beyond a single show, touching on the voices and creativity that shape public conversation. As Marlon looks forward to the release of Him, he expresses both resilience and hope that new paths will open for artists like himself and Jimmy Kimmel alike.
