Netflix has officially revealed the cast of its upcoming faith-based film R&B, a modern reimagining of the biblical love story of Ruth and Boaz. Starring Serayah (Empire, Kingdom of Business), Tyler Lepley (Harlem, P-Valley), and Phylicia Rashad (The Gilded Age, The Beekeeper), the project is the first to emerge from Netflix’s creative collaboration with Tyler Perry Studios and DeVon Franklin.
Alanna Brown (Trees of Peace, Blindspotting) is set to direct the film, which takes the iconic biblical tale and places it in the heart of Tennessee. R&B follows the journey of a young woman fleeing the Atlanta music scene to care for an elderly, widowed woman. Along the way, she not only finds love but also discovers the nurturing maternal bond she’s long yearned for.
The script, co-written by Michael Elliot (Brown Sugar) and Cory Tynan (Play’d), promises to blend heartfelt themes of faith and love in a fresh, contemporary setting. DeVon Franklin, known for faith-centered films like Miracles from Heaven* and Flamin’ Hot, teams up with Tyler Perry as producers on the project. Executive producers Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton will also play pivotal roles in bringing the film to life.
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R&B will feature an ensemble cast that includes Walnette Santiago (Doom Patrol, BMF), Nijah Brenea (Kold x Windy, Rap Sh!t), and James Lee Thomas (One Spoon of Chocolate, Bad Boys: Ride or Die). The music world will also be represented with appearances by Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Jermaine Dupri (Genius: Aretha, Brown Sugar), and Grammy-winning artist Lecrae Moore.
This film is the first production under the multi-year, multi-film partnership that Netflix secured with Franklin and Perry. The deal, signed in May 2024, expands Perry’s creative presence on the platform, which had already started with a first-look film agreement in October 2023. Perry’s upcoming Netflix projects include Six Triple Eight and Beauty in Black, as the partnership also broadens to encompass both scripted and unscripted TV projects.
With its talented cast, rich storyline, and expert creative team, R&B is set to be a significant addition to Netflix’s growing library of faith-based content. Fans can expect a heartwarming tale that reimagines the timeless themes of love, faith, and family for modern audiences.
