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

After a limited theatrical release, people can now finally stream Juror no. 2 at Max.

The star-studded film from 94-year-old director Clint Eastwood is a courtroom drama that follows a soon-to-be father (Nicholas Hoult) who sits on a jury for a murder case. During the trial, he realizes that he himself is aware of the circumstances surrounding the night the woman died. He must then confront a challenging moral dilemma – does he convince the jury to convict an innocent man, or does he delve into his past?

The film received rave reviews, adding to the confusion as to why it was so difficult to see in theaters. Eastwood skipped its world premiere, and Variety reported that Warner Bros. “buried” the film. When it became available for purchase on VOD, it topped the charts. It is also currently the no. 1 most streamed movie on Max.

That’s good news for Cedric Yarbrough, who plays another member of the jury with strong convictions. Although he is best known for his comedic work in shows like Reno 911! and boondocks, he delivers an excellent 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 would you 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 – he is film. He has been on both sides of the camera for so many years and is able to find things that are thought provoking and change the landscape of filmmakers. It was an honor and a blessing. And I needed a job, frankly. I say let’s do some work. A lot of people know me from my comedy – they don’t know me for my dramatic work. So this was an opportunity to flex it.

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

The process is very different now than it was before COVID. Juror no. 2 was an audition tape my friend helped me record. From what I’ve been told by the casting director and from some of the producers is that (Eastwood) saw my tape and said, “That’s our Marcus King, right there.” I was just so amazed and lucky that he saw it. He has extreme confidence in his actors, his staff, producers and 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’ll want to make sure the product matches all the products he’s released for so long.

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

Personally, I think it should have been in more theaters. This is the type of movie that is evergreen. It’s about morality. You don’t have to enjoy superhero movies to enjoy this kind 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 that? And watching it with strangers in the dark is still really cool. I like my house, but I love being outside my house 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 (drawing to himself) this weirdo – come on! I’m glad people are now seeing the film 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 submitted a video with your Reno 911! co-star Niecy Nash. Can you give some hints about what you are working on?

No, I can’t. But I love that lady so much! We did that The Bernie Mac Show together and The soul manCedric the Entertainer’s show … but (Nash and I) have a project we’re working on and I think people are going to be very excited to see us match wits again 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 at least 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 be in a musical. Broadway, hey thanks! I love performing live. I hope this will open up the possibility for comic actors to do drama. Drama is life. Drama is what we do. Even funny people have to deal with some sadness and despair – that’s life. It takes a little something extra to make something comedic. Look at some of us comedic actors to make you cry or make you feel a little more on the dramatic side we are capable of. Call me, I’m free.

Juror no. 2 now streaming on Max.