Tyler Perry Studios and DeVon Franklin have announced their first film under a new partnership with Netflix focused on faith-based productions. The film, titled R&B, will be directed by Alanna Brown, known for Trees of Peace. This modern retelling of the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz will feature a star-studded cast, including Serayah, Tyler Lepley, and Phylicia Rashad. R&B has been filming in various locations in Georgia over the past few weeks.
Overview of R&B
Set in Tennessee, R&B follows the journey of a young woman who leaves behind Atlanta’s music scene to care for an elderly widow. Through this unexpected chapter in her life, she discovers love and gains a maternal figure she has always longed for. This narrative draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Ruth and Boaz, translating it into a contemporary setting.
Production Team
Alanna Brown will direct R&B. Brown’s film Trees of Peace was released by Netflix in 2022 and reached the platform’s Top Ten list during its debut week. It earned top awards at the American Black Film Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The screenplay for R&B was written by Michael Elliot (Brown Sugar) and Cory Tynan (Play’d). Alanna Brown brings notable experience to the project. Her directorial debut, Trees of Peace, earned acclaim for its storytelling and impact. She has also contributed as a writer on the series Blindspotting and gained recognition for her screenplay Water Between Worlds.
Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin serve as producers for R&B, with Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton as executive producers. Perry and Franklin entered a multi-year, multi-film deal with Netflix to create faith-based films aimed at uplifting audiences.
Cast Details
The film’s ensemble cast includes:
- Serayah (Empire, Kingdom Business)
- Tyler Lepley (Harlem, P-Valley)
- Phylicia Rashad (The Gilded Age, The Beekeeper)
- Walnette Santiago (Doom Patrol, BMF)
- Nijah Brenea (Kold x Windy, Rap Sh!t)
- James Lee Thomas (One Spoon of Chocolate, Bad Boys: Ride or Die)
- Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds
- Jermaine Dupri (Genius: Aretha, Brown Sugar)
- Lecrae Moore
Other Projects by Perry and Franklin
This collaboration is one of several under Perry and Franklin’s ongoing projects at Netflix. Perry’s upcoming releases include The Six Triple Eight, a film starring Kerry Washington set to premiere on December 20, and the series Beauty in Black, debuting on October 24. Franklin’s recent work includes producing Flamin’ Hot, directed by Eva Longoria, and Miracles from Heaven in 2016.
R&B is the first production from Tyler Perry Studios and DeVon Franklin’s partnership with Netflix, showcasing a modern interpretation of a classic biblical love story. This film aims to resonate with audiences by blending faith-based themes with contemporary storytelling
