‘Reasonable Doubt’ Star Morris Chestnut on His Introductory Sex Scene and Playing Good Guys

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As a fan of quality television, I find myself utterly captivated by the depth and realism that Raamla Mohamed has brought to life in “Reasonable Doubt.” Her ability to craft complex characters like Jax and Corey is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s refreshing to see characters who are not just one-dimensional but have layers upon layers, making them relatable and engaging.

A basketball match at the gym propelled Morris Chestnut into his debut on “Reasonable Doubt” during its initial season.

Typically, when men gather in a gym, they discuss trivial matters such as sports games or other unimportant topics. However, unexpectedly, one of the guys brought up a show called Reasonable Doubt, which he had been watching, according to Chestnut’s recollection to The Hollywood Reporter.

The eagerness of his buddy – an avid admirer of Emayatzy Corinealdi, the lead actress in the Hulu legal drama who portrays Jax Stewart, a shrewd defense attorney with a complicated personal background – prompted Chestnut to watch the show.

He found it quite unusual since such topics aren’t usually discussed in a gym setting by men. So, his curiosity piqued, he decided to investigate. “I wanted to understand more, let me hear what he had to say. It turned out to be fantastic.

Following a quick connection with the show, creators Raamla Mohamed and Larry Wilmore offered Chestnut a role as Corey Cash – a skilled lawyer with hidden struggles of his own – for the second season’s cast.

The answer was an easy yes.

Chestnut admits, “I had already decided to take part in the show. However, I wasn’t certain about my character initially. Then, Raamala shared a character development plan for the entire season with me, and I thought it was fantastic. After reading that and meeting with Raamla, Larry, and another producer, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be part of this.

In the following discussion, we find Chestnut, a central figure in both the BET+ dark comedy-drama “Diarra from Detroit” and the forthcoming CBS drama “Watson”, reflecting on his past role in “Reasonable Doubt”, where he was initially presented with a sex scene, his preference for playing virtuous characters, and the abundance of opportunities that have come his way after over three decades in the acting industry.

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How did you feel when you initially read the script for the second episode, discovering your character’s dramatic debut in that opening scene?

(Grinning broadly) Naturally, I caught the first season, giving me a heads-up about the series. But when I dived into the opening scene, I found myself saying, “Ah, this is where it’s headed. Alright, let’s dive in!” It was engaging, and I couldn’t wait to see more. This show exudes strength, intelligence, and sensuality – a captivating combination that instantly grabbed my attention. The introduction was spot-on!

How does it feel for you joining a show that’s already in its second season and being the newcomer, despite your co-stars mentioning you as “Morris Chestnut” in their interviews?

Joining an already established series is like stepping into a well-established group, almost as if you’re entering a close-knit family. Since filming takes up most of your time, you spend more hours on set than at home, often working 12, 13, or even 14 hours a day. This means less time with your own family. So, stepping into a new environment is always intriguing because you never know how people will respond to various situations or the unique dynamics at play. My approach is one of respect for everyone involved, ensuring I don’t overstep boundaries and express gratitude for being included. In this particular series, thanks to Raamla, Emayatzy, and Kerry Washington, they have created a truly strong family bond. They were all very welcoming, kind, and genuine. Working with them made each day on set a joy and a pleasure.

I don’t think Jax is a character we’ve seen onscreen before. As someone who’s had a lot of women co-stars over the years, what stands out to you about that character in particular?

Wow, Jax really captivates me! What stands out about her is her intelligence, strength, and beauty. And let’s not forget about her fashion sense – it’s so unique that she could easily start her own line. However, the brilliance of the show lies in its collaborative creation by Raamla, Kerry, and Emayatzy. There’s a richness to the storyline that feels incredibly authentic. Emayatzy’s character is complex and not just a perfect image. She faces challenges, both at work and home, and isn’t afraid to make mistakes. This isn’t a world where everything is always rosy. It’s a reflection of real life, where even when she unwinds with friends, complications arise – in this case, one of her friends is on trial. These are the kinds of situations that we all can understand and relate to.

Even, for instance, Corey. The one thing I love about Corey, it could have easily just been, “hey, my friend Jax wants me to come here to L.A. to help her get her friend off trial. Boom. But no, it’s my friend Jax is giving me an opportunity to come here to L.A. I can redeem myself from something that’s happened in the past. And while I’m helping get her friend off on this major case, I’m going to redeem myself. And then now she’s even helped me deal with my own family life that I haven’t dealt with for years. So there’s so many layers to Corey. And that’s what Raamla does.

In every episode, I initially doubt Corey and wonder if this is where we’ll see another side of him. However, after six episodes, he genuinely appears to have noble intentions, making me ponder, do you have a provision in your contracts that requires playing only good characters?

(Grinning broadly) That’s why they seek me out – I gravitate towards optimistic roles. There was a film, currently in limbo on Netflix, where I wasn’t involved, but I’m captivated by uplifting characters. When we delve into scripts and embody these characters, every action a character takes for an actor is rationalized. If a character commits a heinous act, in their mind, they justify it. So, more often than not, they don’t view it as wrong. However, I believe that’s the perception Hollywood has of me, and they offer me numerous chances to explore such roles. And I find myself drawn to this. When viewers watch movies or endless hours of a TV series – like this one, which is 10 hours long – those visuals leave an imprint. Sometimes profound, sometimes subtle, but always significant. It can resonate with millions, or it can touch the heart of just one person, yet its influence is always felt. And I am mindful of the impression and message my characters convey to their audience.

My portrayal in “Boyz n the Hood” initially positioned me as a favorable character, the one everyone supported. Although I may not always embody the “good guy,” that role was my introduction to the world. This film remains relevant today, and its impact continues. In other roles and characters, I’ve chosen to steer clear of negative actions, opting for positivity instead. However, I’m not saying that I won’t ever play a character that strays from the good path, as long as it carries a powerful message.

You’re the central figure in three distinct TV series right now. How would you describe this phase of your career journey?

This is a wonderful situation I find myself in. It’s truly satisfying to be active and seize this chance, as such opportunities haven’t been as plentiful throughout most of my professional journey. I’m keenly aware of that, so I’m making the most of it and striving to perform at my best with the resources available. In essence, I plan on keeping things moving forward.

Reasonable Doubt releases new episodes weekly Thursdays on Hulu and Disney+.

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2024-09-19 23:25