Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green Discuss Building Boston Blue Through the Art of Blues Music

In a much-anticipated world premiere, Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green showcased their upcoming series, *Boston Blue*, at Cannes. This offshoot of the long-running show *Blue Bloods* is set to launch this fall on CBS, and it brings a fresh setting and new characters while staying rooted in familial themes.
Introduction of New Characters in *Boston Blue*
Wahlberg returns to his role as Danny Reagan, but this time he will solve cases in Boston rather than New York. His new partner, Lena Silver, played by Martin-Green, adds a new dynamic to the series. Both characters come from law enforcement backgrounds, which establishes an immediate connection.
Production and Showrunners
Produced by CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television, *Boston Blue* is sold globally by Paramount Global Content Distribution. Showrunners Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis, affectionately called “the Brandons” by the cast, aim to balance the legacies of the original series with new storytelling elements.
Acknowledging the Legacy of *Blue Bloods*
- *Blue Bloods* aired for 14 seasons, totaling almost 300 episodes.
- The show will maintain key themes of faith, family, and tradition.
- Wahlberg stated that even with a new city, these elements will continue to resonate.
Building a New Bond
Wahlberg noted the challenge of establishing a believable connection between Danny and Lena. Both characters share similar upbringings, which helps facilitate their bond. Martin-Green emphasized that the story is character-driven, focusing on their evolvement and authenticity from the beginning.
The Dinner Table Tradition
One notable element in *Boston Blue* will be Danny attending a Shabbat dinner, introducing him to a diverse family dynamic. This new setting is a first for his character, providing fresh challenges as he navigates different cultural traditions.
Maintaining Fan Expectations
As veteran actors in established franchises, both Wahlberg and Martin-Green understand the importance of honoring previous narratives while creating new stories. Wahlberg explained that the audience’s expectations are a crucial aspect of their creative process, ensuring that the spin-off evolves without alienating loyal fans.
Collaborative Efforts
The synergy between Wahlberg’s experience in both music and acting and Martin-Green’s background in high-profile projects like *Star Trek: Discovery* has equipped them to handle the demands of this new series. Their previous experiences have taught them to respect legacy while introducing new ideas.
Conclusion
*Boston Blue* promises to deliver a captivating blend of crime elements and familial drama. The show’s unique approach to storytelling will likely engage both longtime fans of *Blue Bloods* and new viewers alike, making it a highly anticipated addition to the CBS lineup this fall.