Director Chris Stokes is expanding his footprint in the streaming space, officially locking in an exclusive 20-picture deal with emerging platform Turnstr+. Leading the slate is his latest project, Forever, This Ring, which will premiere as part of the platform’s launch on October 2.
The film boasts a familiar ensemble from Stokes’ creative circle and beyond, including Taye Diggs, Loretta Devine, Marques Houston, Erica Mena, Malik Whitfield, and La’Myia Good.
Described as a “twisted psychological thriller,” Forever, This Ring centers on Maveric Collins, a wealthy entrepreneur and longtime playboy who swore off marriage—until he meets the woman who changes everything. What begins as a seemingly perfect union quickly spirals into something far more sinister, as Maveric realizes his wife may not be who she claimed to be. The story poses a chilling question: will their love story end quietly, or in something far more deadly?
“I’m excited to scale up another platform,” Stokes said. “I believe I have an eye for what’s new and what people love to see… the fans always show up.” He also noted that while he’s helping build Turnstr+ Originals, he will continue his longstanding partnership with Tubi.
Stokes has carved out a niche as a reliable hitmaker in the streaming original film space, particularly with BET+ and Tubi. Through his company Footage Films, he’s been behind a steady pipeline of titles including The Stepdaughter, Forever Us, Vicious Affair, The Stepmother franchise, and Sacrifice. Marques Houston also serves as CEO of Footage Films, with Juanita Stokes as president.
Across his career, Stokes has directed more than 50 projects, including cult-favorite You Got Served, along with films like Rockabye, Run, Snatched, and Adopted. He shows no signs of slowing down, with additional titles already in the pipeline such as Hijacked, I Didn’t Do It, and Night Shift.
With Forever, This Ring launching alongside Turnstr+, the deal signals a major bet on Stokes’ ability to once again deliver high-engagement, conversation-driving originals—this time helping to define the identity of an entirely new streaming platform.