The Malcolm-Trent dynamic is central to the series’ new direction. As the film opens, Malcolm is thrilled when graduating high school student Trent is accepted to Duke University. But Trent has other ideas; he wants to pursue a career as a rapper. That conflict ultimately leads Trent to take a detour into the family business: going undercover by dressing up as a woman. Trent joining Malcolm as a Big Momma and their ensuing generational battles not only double the comedy, they add an emotional resonance because Malcolm must come to terms with Trent’s desire to follow his dreams, even as Malcolm goes to extreme lengths to keep Trent safe. “I love playing Big Momma,” saysLawrence, “but it was really the energy of the script and having Brandon as my partner in the story that brought me back. Malcolm looks at Trent as a son but Trent is becoming a man and wants to do his own thing. Everyone can relate to that.”
