DeVon Franklin and Tyler Perry's new film gives a modern twist on the biblical story, "Ruth and Boaz."

Reel Perspectives

September 26, 2025

DeVon Franklin and Tyler Perry have undertaken the ambitious task of retelling the powerful biblical love story of "Ruth and Boaz" with a modern twist rooted in faith, healing, and second chances.

The film stars Serayah McNeill and Tyler Lepley in the titular roles, and follows rising Atlanta hip-hop artist Ruth Moably, who gives up the glamorous life to start anew in rural Tennessee, where she cares for Naomi, her surrogate mother, and meets the man of her dreams - a grounded and generous vineyard owner. 

Directed by Alanna Brown and written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan, the new film will be the first of many faith-based, inspired movies from the Perry-Franklin creative partnership with Netflix, under a multi-year, multi-picture first-look deal. "Ruth and Boaz" also features an original song by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and performed by Serayah, placing their unique stamp on the film. 

Netlfix

In an interview with Netflix's Tudum, Perry expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with DeVon Franklin. "I couldn't be more excited for the world to get this look at such a powerful love story", he shared. "I can't wait for audiences everywhere to experience the film."

Franklin realying his excitement about the opportunity to collaborate with the prolific mogul, stated, "Tyler and I have been great friends for over 15 years," Franklin adds, "so 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 to help us inspire the world. Ruth & Boaz has been a true labor of love. This classic story has held such deep meaning for me and so many others for generations. I'm beyond excited for audiences to experience this film!"

In addition to McNeill and Lepley, the film stars Phylicia Rashad as Naomi, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Walnette Santiago, Nijah Brenea, James Lee Thomas, Jermaine Dupri, Lecrae Moore, Christopher Broughton, Gregalan Williams, James Thomas, Chaundre Hall-Broomfield, and Yung Joc.

Taking creative liberties with the original story from the "Book of Ruth" in the Old Testament of the Bible, Ruth follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and two sons. In Bethlehem, she finds honor through her loyalty to Naomi and eventual marriage to Boaz. The biblical story is an incredible story of hope, love, and redemption, and the modern adaptation is just as powerful, capturing the same powerful themes and making them inspiring and relatable today.

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Ruth & Boaz is streaming now on Netflix.

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The film is executive-produced by Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton.