Serayah McNeill and Tyler Lepley Shine in ‘Ruth & Boaz’ Trailer
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A blossoming romance takes centre stage with Serayah McNeill and Tyler Lepley in the spotlight in the exclusive debut trailer for ‘Ruth & Boaz’. This contemporary reinterpretation of the classic love story has been produced by the dynamic duo of DeVon Franklin and Tyler Perry, promising a fresh modern twist on the biblical tale.
The film brings to life the characters of Ruth Moably (played by McNeill), a rising hip-hop star who leaves behind the bustling music scene in Atlanta to embark on a new journey in Tennessee after a personal tragedy. Here, she finds solace in caring for the mother of her late boyfriend, Naomi (portrayed by Phylicia Rashad). It is in Tennessee that Ruth crosses paths with Boaz (Lepley), igniting a love story that transcends time and expectations.
‘Ruth & Boaz’ marks the inaugural collaboration between preacher DeVon Franklin and the esteemed Tyler Perry Studios with Netflix. Franklin reveals that his inspiration for the film stemmed from a sermon series he delivered, delving into the nuances of being single. The vision to portray this age-old biblical narrative through a contemporary lens, featuring people of color at its core, laid the groundwork for ‘Ruth & Boaz’.
The casting process for the film was truly serendipitous, as McNeill was personally approached by Franklin after their collaboration on BET+’s Kingdom Business. Even as she was immersed in filming the horror flick ‘Goons’ in New Orleans, McNeill seamlessly transitioned into the role of Ruth through her engaging audition tape. Joining her in this on-screen romance is Lepley, who also submitted his audition while working on the same project, adding a unique synchronicity to their performances.
For McNeill, working on ‘Ruth & Boaz’ was not just about portraying a character but also about collaborating with the renowned Tyler Perry for the first time. Her admiration for Perry and the awe-inspiring experience of accessing Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta added a layer of significance to her involvement in the project. The actress highlights the impact of being a part of a production that resonates with the essence of inclusivity and representation.
Perry, a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, has continually delivered compelling narratives through his partnership with Netflix, with hits such as ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’ and ‘Beauty in the Black’. With ‘Ruth & Boaz’, Perry aims to capture the essence of love amidst external challenges, creating a universal story that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences on a profound level.
‘Ruth & Boaz’ is poised to captivate audiences with its heartfelt portrayal of love, resilience, and faith when it premieres on Netflix on September 26. As the countdown begins for the release of this enchanting tale, viewers can anticipate a cinematic experience that intertwines the traditional with the contemporary, offering a refreshing take on a timeless love story.