This month in the Movieland Spotlight we have Steven Martini, also known as Cadet Alex Stone from the 1995 movie Major Payne with Damon Wayans. We talk about his time working on the film, The Unseen Major Payne Alternate Ending, The Major Payne Sequel which was in development, his work as a director in Lymelife, Goat on fire and smiling fish and the upcoming Bittersweet. His time working on Murder She Wrote and more.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Wayans brothers for their contributions to the film industry. Their impact is undeniable. From Keenen Ivory Wayans stepping into the director’s chair, to Shawn and Marlon Wayans writing and starring in iconic films like Scary Movie, White Chicks, The 6th Man, and their own TV show The Wayans Brothers, their collective body of work is legendary.

But tonight, I want to shine the spotlight on Damon Wayans. Damon’s career began with the role of Banana Man in Beverly Hills Cop, and since then, he’s proven himself as a powerhouse actor in films like The Last Boy Scout alongside Bruce Willis, Bulletproof with Adam Sandler, and more recently, as the lead in the Lethal Weapon TV reboot. There’s no question about Damon’s ability to bring a compelling, powerhouse performance to any role.

However, let’s not forget his comedic genius. My first encounter with Damon was through his portrayal of the hilariously unconventional superhero Blankman. A comedy so outrageous, it’s brilliant. And did you know this film came from Damon’s own creative mind, with contributions from others, of course? If you haven’t seen it, you definitely should.
But for me, the true gem of Damon’s filmography is Major Payne. Nearly three decades later, I still find myself quoting lines from his role as the no-nonsense, tough-as-nails Major Benson Winifred Payne. Another movie Damon co-wrote, Major Payne may not have been a massive box office success, but it quickly cemented its place in the cult classic hall of fame. It’s hard to overstate the impact this film has had—especially among ‘90s kids. Directed by Nick Castle (yes, the same Nick Castle who brought Michael Myers to life in Halloween), Major Payne blends raw drama, biting attitude, and in-your-face comedy in a way few films would dare today.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Major Payne in 2025, I continue to treasure it in my film collection and often revisit it. Recently, I had the chance to reconnect with Cadet Alex Stone, the squad leader from Major Payne—the man who led the “House of Pain” into victory – We caught up to talk about his experiences making Major Payne and everything that followed.