Tyler Perry has solidified a new creative partnership with Netflix, committing to write, direct, and produce feature films under a multi-year, first-look agreement.
Perry’s collaboration with the streaming giant has already yielded five films, including “A Fall From Grace,” “A Madea Homecoming,” the period drama “A Jazzman’s Blues” (a project close to his heart, written 27 years prior), the upcoming World War II-set drama “Six Triple Eight,” and the thriller “Mea Culpa.”
WME CEO Ari Emanuel hinted at this new deal during Bloomberg Media’s Screentime conference on October 11, per Variety where he also announced deals for David Ellison and Perry at Netflix. Perry humorously acknowledged Emanuel’s loose lips, noting the announcement had not yet been made official joking “He talks too much,” while speaking highly of working with Netflix and Amazon.
While the specifics of the Netflix deal, such as the number of films and the agreement’s duration, remain undisclosed, Perry has two projects already in development. “Six Triple Eight” narrates the inspiring true story of the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion serving overseas during World War II. The film stars Kerry Washington and features an ensemble cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Ebony Obsidian, and more. “Mea Culpa,” led by Kelly Rowland, centers on a criminal defense attorney who takes on the case of an artist suspected of murdering his girlfriend.
A tweet by Netflix’s @strongblacklead states that “Tyler Perry and Netflix have formed a creative partnership under a multi-year first look deal to make even more new films. Next up on Netflix, he’ll have war drama Six Triple Eight starring Kerry Washington and thriller Mea Culpa starring Kelly Rowland.”
This Netflix partnership is separate from Perry’s four-picture agreement with Amazon Studios, established in 2022. Amazon has unveiled the first two films in that deal, “Black, White & Blue” and “Divorce in the Black,” in addition to a documentary about Perry’s remarkable journey from a homeless playwright to a billionaire media mogul.
In 2021, Perry brought back his iconic character, Madea, for the comedy “A Madea Homecoming,” which gained immense popularity on Netflix. Perry expressed the importance of laughter and joy, which he believes is needed in today’s world.
Perry recently tried acquire the Paramount shares of BET which would have given the actor, writer, director, and producer a controlling interest in BET (Black Entertainment Television) after Paramount Global suffered substantial financial losses which have exceeded $400 million.
Paramount has since ended the big and opted to keep their shares in the Bob Johnson founded company.
