Exclusive: Derrick A. King Talks Why Did I Get Married Again?, Black Love, and His Complicated Romance With Taraji P. Henson
Reel Perspectives
September 17, 2026
When Tyler Perry brings the Why Did I Get Married? universe back together, fans already know they're in for love, laughter, complicated relationships, and conversations that hits too close to home. But Why Did I Get Married Again? also introduces a new generation of characters, including Derrick A. King, who steps into the franchise as Nick, the much younger love interest of Taraji P. Henson's Roselyn.
In Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Again?, the beloved group reunites after spending quite some time apart, only to discover that while life may have changed, some things remain remarkably familiar. As Marcus and Angela’s daughter prepares to walk down the aisle, the gathering forces the friends to confront the realities of love, marriage, family, and the examples they have set for their children. And as they watch the next generation begin making some of the same choices they once made, the question at the heart of the franchise returns once again: why did they get married... again?
For King, becoming part of such an iconic Black franchise was a full circle moment. The actor grew up watching the original films, so when he auditioned, he wasn't convinced the role would actually be his.
“I was really in shock,” King told Reel Perspectives Media. “I was super excited because it's a universe that I'm so familiar with. I literally grew up watching these movies and understanding these characters.”
King approached the audition with the mindset of simply giving it everything he had, particularly knowing that he would potentially be sharing the screen with Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. He remembers thinking that there were countless other actors who could potentially land the role, so rather than getting caught up in the pressure, he focused on doing what he does best: acting.
“To actually book it and be a part of it, I mean, it's surreal,” he said, admitting that even after the film's release, he was still processing the magnitude of the opportunity.
That feeling continued when King began working with Tyler Perry for the first time. He described watching Perry seamlessly move between acting and directing as something akin to watching one of the greats in his element, drawing a comparison to being on a basketball team alongside legends such as Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.
“Tyler Perry was the same way,” King explained. “When I'm watching him act and then jump out and direct and make sure everybody is where they're supposed to be and understand the script and the story, it's incredible to watch.”
What impressed King wasn't simply Perry's ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, but the efficiency with which he did it. For an actor stepping into such a high profile production, watching Perry move seamlessly between acting, directing, and shaping the story was an education in itself.
For King, the experience offered a firsthand look at why Perry has built such a recognizable creative legacy. “To work with Tyler Perry for the first time and have it be at this level and this caliber, I mean, what more can you ask for?” he continued.
And then there is his character Nick, whose relationship with Roselyn brings an entirely different kind of complication to the story.
Roselyn is coming out of a troubled marriage to a husband battling drug addiction when she meets Nick. The two develop genuine feelings for one another, but there's a significant age difference between them. Making matters even more complicated, Nick is also the tutor of Roselyn's son, who already has complicated feelings about his parents' divorce.
Suddenly, Roselyn is dating her son's much younger tutor, while her son is struggling with his own feelings about his parents' breakup. “Watching all of that unfold is really fun,” King said.
In his Reel Perspectives conversation, King opens up about joining Tyler Perry's beloved franchise, working with Taraji P. Henson, Black love, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film.
But beneath the romance and family drama, King believes Why Did I Get Married Again? is tackling conversations that are both timely and important. The film explores everything from Alzheimer's, younger couples questioning whether they are ready for marriage, older women dating younger men, older men dating younger women, family dynamics, and the consequences of growing up believing that relationships are supposed to look perfect.
For King, one of the film's most powerful messages is that relationships don't have to look perfect to be meaningful.
“I thought this one did an extremely specific and monumental job at facilitating conversations that need to be had that aren't often had,” he said.
Those conversations have continued beyond the movie itself, with King saying people he's spoken to since the film's release have been reflecting on their own relationships and family dynamics.
Ultimately, he hopes audiences leave the film with something simple but meaningful: perspective. King explained that the movie offers something for people at virtually every stage of their relationship journey, whether they're single, married, divorced, preparing to get married, or simply trying to understand love a little better.
“There are so many opportunities to see yourself in this film,” he added.
That ability to see yourself in the story is especially important when it comes to the film's portrayal of Black love. Instead of presenting relationships as perfect, Why Did I Get Married Again? allows its characters to make mistakes, confront uncomfortable truths, disagree, and hopefully learn from one another.
That intergenerational reflection sits at the heart of Why Did I Get Married Again?, making the arrival of actors like King particularly more meanignful. The film isn't simply bringing back familiar characters for another chapter, it is showing what happens when the lives and lessons of one generation begin influencing the next.
King also isn't afraid of the possibility that audiences may have strong opinions about Nick. In fact, he welcomes it. At this stage in his career, King says he has learned to separate himself from the characters he portrays. For him, the reaction can actually be evidence that he has done his job.
“I'm just a craftsman,” King said. “I love acting. I love doing it.”
Whether audiences love Nick, question him, or completely disagree with his choices, King sees the conversation itself as a win.
“If you're mad at the character, then cool. Let's talk about it,” he said.
That confidence comes from an actor whose résumé has already taken him through some impressive television projects, including The CW's 4400, Paramount+'s The Game, Starz's Run the World, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Now, with Why Did I Get Married Again?, King has stepped into a major feature film franchise alongside some of the industry's most recognizable Black talent.
But he isn't sitting around waiting for the next opportunity to arrive.
Away from acting, King is also a professor at Howard University, where he teaches acting for television and film. He has also recently completed his book, The After Book I Was Love, now available on Amazon.
As for what's next, King isn't naming any upcoming projects just yet. Instead, he's allowing Nick and Why Did I Get Married Again? to introduce him to audiences who may be discovering his work for the first time. And perhaps that is one of the most refreshing things about speaking with King. Even with a major Tyler Perry film now on his résumé, he still sounds like an actor who is hungry for the next challenge and genuinely excited about where that opportunity can take him.
For now, Derrick A. King is enjoying the moment—and if audiences have something to say about Nick and Roselyn's unconventional romance, he's more than ready for the conversation.
Why Did I Get Married Again? is streaming now on Netflix.
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