Netflix has officially set a premiere date for Ruth and Boaz, the first film from Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin’s faith-based creative partnership with the streamer. The modern-day love story will debut globally on September 26, 2025.
Directed by Trees of Peace filmmaker Alanna Brown, Ruth and Boaz reimagines the biblical love story through the lens of modern Southern Black life. Set in rural Tennessee, the film follows Ruth Moably (played by Kingdom Business star Serayah McNeill), a rising Atlanta hip-hop artist who steps away from the spotlight after the tragic death of her boyfriend. She heads to a small town to care for his grieving mother, Naomi, portrayed by legendary actress Phylicia Rashad (The Gilded Age). There, Ruth unexpectedly finds love and a fresh start with Boaz, played by Tyler Lepley (Harlem).
The cast also features a blend of actors and music industry powerhouses, including Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jermaine Dupri, Lecrae, Yung Joc, Nijah Brenea (Kold x Windy), Walnette Santiago (BMF, Doom Patrol), James Lee Thomas, and Christopher Broughton.
Written by Michael Elliot (Brown Sugar) and Cory Tynan (Play’d), Ruth and Boaz is produced by Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin, with Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton serving as executive producers.
Netflix recently dropped the first official look at Ruth and Boaz, teasing the film’s mix of music, heart, and healing.
“Tyler and I have been great friends for over 15 years. When he called me to team up on movies that can uplift the human spirit, I jumped at the chance, and we couldn’t have a better partner than Netflix,” said Franklin about the multi-year, multi-picture deal.
Perry added, “In today’s polarizing world, we both feel a strong responsibility to spread some good, and Netflix is the perfect place to do that.”
The partnership, first announced in 2024, marks a significant expansion of Perry’s earlier Netflix deal. It includes both scripted and unscripted projects for film and television that spotlight faith-driven narratives.
Netflix’s Vice President of Film, Niija Kuykendall, praised both creators for their commitment to inspirational storytelling, calling the collaboration a reflection of the platform’s dedication to providing uplifting and diverse stories for a global audience.
Ruth and Boaz marks a fresh addition to Netflix’s growing slate of faith-forward content. Perry is also behind the upcoming Six Triple Eight and drama series Beauty in Black, while Franklin continues to make waves with films like Flamin’ Hot and Miracles From Heaven.
With Ruth and Boaz, expect a rich, emotional story of purpose, redemption, and divine timing—set to a soundtrack that blends gospel, hip-hop, and R&B.