Menace II Society

Menace II Society Cast: Where Are They Now?

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The hood classic Menace II Society debuted in 1993 and the cast included many legendary and now accomplished actors. Instantly, the movie became a beloved film for black families all over the globe. And the actors became household names. The movie tells the story of a teenage drug dealer who commits horrific crimes with his friends. But by the time he decides to leave his life of crime, it’s too late. Let’s take a look at the cast then and now 31 years later. 

Tyrin Turner

Tyrin Turner has made guest appearances on television shows such as Chicago Hope. You might also remember seeing Turner in Hype Williams’ 1998 film Belly, where he played a perm wearing hustler named Big. For over twenty years, he’s written comedy material for Jamie Foxx and Affion Crockett.  He currently has a role in the Hulu series Missing Persons Unit.

Larenz Tate

Larenz Tate made an impression in our hearts from many roles. His classic characters have showed his widespread ability across the acting spectrum; from playing a socially ackward teen finding his sexuality (The Inkwell) to portraying a mentally unstable Vietnam vet turned bank robber (Dead Presidents.) And who could forget his portrayal of Frankie Lymon in the biopic Why Do Fools Fall in Love? (1998) and most recently as Councilman Rashad Tate in 50 Cent’s Power Book franchise.

Jada Pinkett -Smith

Best known at the time as Lena James from A Different World, Jada Pinkett-Smith went on to star in numerous feature films as well. Pinkett Smith executive produced and starred in the television medical drama Hawthorne. She also received an Emmy for her Facebook podcast called Red Table Talk. Jada released her autobiography, Worthy in 2023, where she speaks on her life and controversial marriage to Will Smith.

Samuel L. Jackson

One of the most widely recognized actors of his generation, Samuel L. Jackson is one of the highest grossing actors of all time. His films have grossed over $27 billion worldwide. In 2022, he received the Academy Honorary Award. The highly prolific actor has appeared in over 100 films; many of them classics that we’re sure you’ve seen.

Clifton Powell

Clifton Powell was born in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the Duke Ellington School of Arts. Powell primarily plays supporting roles in films. He received a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture in the biopic Ray in 2005.

MC Eiht

At the time of Menace II Society, cast member and rapper MC Eiht was known for being one-fourth of the rap group Compton’s Most Wanted. His song Streiht up Menace would become the movie’s theme song, and his two subsequent albums would inflame his infamous beef with DJ Quik. He’s also known for playing the character Ryder in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. 

Khandi Alexander

Although you may not know her by name, Khandi Alexander is definitely a familiar face in numerous films and TV shows. Alexander has had significant parts in What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Scandal and played Dr. Alexx Woods in CSI: Miami. She is also a dancer who worked with and choreographed Whitney Houston’s international tours.

Charles S. Dutton

Charles S. Dutton has retired from acting, but is best known for his role in the television series Roc. He also had a memorable role in the film A Time to Kill in 1996. His accolades include three Primetime Emmy Awards and three NAACP Image Awards. 

Glen Plummer

Glen Plummer has quite a long acting resume that spans over three decades. His most memorable roles were in Colors (1988) and in the compelling drama South Central (1992) where he played “O.G.” Bobby Johnson. He is currently working on a film entitled Alien Storm.

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“Menace II Society” Director Claims Eazy-E Was In Original Cast

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Menace II Society is a classic teen drama from the 1990s. The directorial debut of the Hughes Brothers (Dead Presidents, The Book Of Eli), the film highlighted the realities of life for Black teenagers in a post-Rodney King LA. The film’s cast featured a wealth of big-name actors, Jada Pinkett-Smith among them. The film also featured Larenz Tate, Samuel L. Jackson, Clifton Powell, and Tyrin Turner in the lead role.

However, a recent interview from one-half of the directorial team has revealed some fascinating new information about the film’s production. Allen Hughes, appearing on The Breakfast Club, spoke about who was meant to star in one of the lead roles. It also shed some light on the eventual breakup of N.W.A.

Eazy-E Was Cast And Later Dropped From “Menace II Society”

O-Dog is the best friend of Menace II Society‘s main character, Caine Lawson (Tyrin Turner). He is played by Larenz Tate (Power) to masterful perfection. However, the casting of Tate was not the production’s first choice. According to Allen Hughes, Eazy-E of N.W.A fame was originally cast in the role. “We wrote that role for Eazy-E,” Hughes said of O-Dog. Hughes and Eazy-E had a close relationship, with Hughes going as far as to call E his “mentor.”

However, Eazy and his business manager Jerry Heller ultimately led to a production change. According to Hughes, E and Heller were overly demanding about changes to the script, eventually forcing the Brothers to find a new actor. They first turned to Ice Cube, who turned down the role for fear of being type-cast after Boyz In The Hood. Eventually, they settled on Tate. “I learned everything from Eazy, but one of the things with him and Jerry is they always try to keep you in a box and control you. And they were trying to control us in the script and I just had to move on, and it was for peanuts. I adore Eazy. He was so giving and so down-to-earth. By the way, great with his fans, too. Very patient with his fans. But I see why Cube left, I see why Dre left. There was a whole thing there.” Hughes said.

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