‘Juror No. 2’ topped the streaming charts after being buried in theaters. Cedric Yarbrough hopes people see his dramatic breakout performance.

After a limited theatrical release, people can finally stream it Juror #2 at Max.

The star-studded film from 94-year-old director Clint Eastwood is a courtroom drama that follows an expectant father (Nicholas Hoult) who sits on a jury for a murder trial. During the trial, he realizes that he himself is aware of the circumstances surrounding the night the woman died. He is then faced with a challenging moral dilemma: will he convince the jury to convict an innocent man, or will he dredge up his past?

The film received critical acclaim, adding to the confusion as to why it was so difficult to see in theaters. Eastwood skipped the world premiere and Variety reported that Warner Bros. was ‘burying’ the film. When it became available for purchase on VOD, it topped the charts. It is also currently the #1 most streamed movie on Max.

That’s great news for Cedric Yarbrough, who plays another judge with strong convictions. Although he is best known for his comedic work on shows such as Reno 911! And The Boondocks, he delivers a standout performance in the role.

Yarbrough spoke with 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 to work with an institution like Clint Eastwood – him is film. He has been on both sides of the camera for years and is able to bring out 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’m like, let’s do some work. A lot of people know me for my comedy; they don’t know me from my dramatic work. So this was an opportunity to relax that.

Comedy is what most people definitely know you for. What was it like auditioning for this dramatic role?

The process is now very different than before the corona crisis. Juror #2 was an audition tape that my friend helped me record. That’s evident from what I was told by the casting director and some of the producers [Eastwood] saw my tape and said, “That’s our Marcus King, right there.” I was just so stunned and happy that he saw it. He has enormous confidence in his actors, his staff, producers and the people he has worked with for so many years. When a director of his caliber trusts you, you will go through a train for him. Since this may be his last film, you want to make sure the product matches all the products he has been putting out for so long.

I’m sure you noticed that when this movie first came out, it wasn’t shown in many theaters. However, it was clear that people wanted to see it because it performed very well when it was released on VOD. Did you have any ideas about that?

Personally, I think this should have happened in more theaters. This is the type of film that is evergreen. It’s about morality. You don’t have to like superhero movies to enjoy these types of adult films. 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, great direction and sound design and all that? And watching it with strangers in the dark is still pretty cool. I love my home, but I love being outside my home and enjoying a movie of this magnitude with Clint Eastwood, Toni Collette, Nicholas Hoult – he’s on fire right now with The Order, Nosferatu, the new Superman — You want to see that guy in a theater! And JK Simmons, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris Messina, Leslie Bibb and [gesturing to himself] this fool – come on! I’m glad people are seeing the film now because it’s one of our best this year.

I’m really excited for you. When I looked at your social media I saw you posted a video with you Reno 911! co-star Niecy Nash. Can you give any tips about what you are doing?

No, I can’t. But I love that lady so much! We did The Bernie Mac Show together and The soul manthe Carlo the Entertainer show… but [Nash and I] We have a project we’re working on, and I think people will be really excited to see us matched up again with some amazing other people.

If you could do anything right now, what would you do? Who would you collaborate 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’m not just doing one thing. I come from the theater, that’s where I was trained. I’m ready to be in a musical. Broadway, hello, please! I love performing live. I hope this will open up the opportunity for comedic actors to do drama. Drama is life. Drama is what we are dealing with. Even funny people deal with sadness and despair – that’s what life is. It takes something extra to make something comical. Watch some of us comedic actors to make you cry or feel a little more on the dramatic side, we are capable. Call me, I’m available.

Juror #2 now streaming on Max.