“Juror No. 2” topped the streaming charts after being buried in theaters. Cedric Yarbrough hopes people see his dramatic breakthrough.

After a limited theatrical release, people can finally stream Juror #2 to max.

The star-studded film from 94-year-old director Clint Eastwood is a courtroom drama about an expectant father (Nicholas Hoult) who sits on a murder jury. During the trial he realizes that he himself knows the circumstances of the night of the woman’s death. Then he must face a challenging moral dilemma: does he convince the jury to convict an innocent man, or does he expose his past?

The film received rave reviews, adding to the confusion as to why it was so difficult to release in theaters. Eastwood skipped its world premiere and Variety reported that Warner Bros. would “bury” the film. When it was available on VOD, it reached the top position on the charts. It is also currently the most streamed film on Max.

This is great news for Cedric Yarbrough, who plays another jury member with strong convictions. Although he is best known for his comedic work in shows like Reno 911! And The Boondocks, He delivers an outstanding performance in this role.

Yarbrough spoke to Yahoo Entertainment about his pivot, the film’s limited release and working with a legendary director.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why did you want to be part of this project?

I mean, come on! To be able to work with such talented people and an institution like Clint Eastwood – him Is Film. He has been on both sides of the camera for so many years and manages to produce things that are thought-provoking and change the landscape of filmmaking. It was an honor and a blessing. And honestly, I needed a job. I think let’s do some work. A lot of people know me from my comedy, but not from my dramatic work. So this was an opportunity to change that.

Most people probably know you as a comedian. What was it like auditioning for this dramatic role?

The process now is very different than it was pre-COVID. Juror #2 was an audition tape that my friend helped me record. The casting director and some of the producers told me that (Eastwood) saw my video and said, “That’s our Marcus King, right there.” I was just so amazed and happy that he saw it. He has great faith in his actors, his collaborators, producers and the people he has worked with for so many years. If a director of his caliber trusts you, you will do a poor job for him. Since this may be his last film, you want to make sure the product fits in with all the products he’s been releasing for so long.

I’m sure you’ve seen that when this film first came out it didn’t play in many theaters. However, it was clear that people wanted to see it because when it was released on VOD it did really well. Did you have any thoughts on this?

Personally I think it should have been shown in more cinemas. This is the kind of film that is evergreen. It’s about morals. You don’t have to like superhero movies to enjoy this type of adult filmmaking. I think a lot of people love sequels and flashy superhero movies, but what about those of us who really enjoy a good story and great performances and great direction and sound design and all of that? And watching it with strangers in the dark is still really cool. I like my home, but I love being outside of my house and enjoying a film of this magnitude with Clint Eastwood, Toni Collette and Nicholas Hoult – who he’s currently on fire with The order, Nosferatu, the new Superman — You want to see this guy in a theater! And JK Simmons, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris Messina, Leslie Bibb and (gesturing to himself) that weirdo – come on! I’m glad people are seeing the film now because it’s one of our best this year.

I’m really happy for you. When I was looking at your social media, I saw you posted a video with you Reno 911! Co-star Niecy Nash. Can you give any hints about what you are currently working on?

No, I can’t do that. But I love this lady so much! We did that The Bernie Mac Show together and The soul manthe Cedric the Entertainer show…but (Nash and I) have a project we’re doing and I think people will be very excited to see us get back together with some great other people.

If you could do anything right now, what would you do? Who would you work with?

I want to work with everyone. I want to work with a lot of different casting directors, or at least for them to see me in a different light – that I don’t just do one thing. I come from the theater, that’s where I was trained. I’m ready to star in a musical. Broadway, hello, please! I love performing live. I hope this opens up opportunities for comedic actors to do dramas. Drama is life. We deal with drama. Even funny people have to deal with some heartache and despair – that’s life. It takes a little bit more to make something funny. Check out some of us comedic actors who will make you cry or make you feel a little more on the dramatic side, we are capable of that. Call me, I’m available.

Juror #2 is now streaming on Max.