5 Key Reasons Why Tyler Perry's 'Ruth & Boaz' Is Netflix's Most Anticipated Faith-Based Film Of 2025

The latest update on Tyler Perry’s highly anticipated faith-based film, *Ruth & Boaz*, confirms it is set for a global release on Netflix on September 26, 2025. This project, co-produced by Perry's trusted collaborator DeVon Franklin, is a modern and fresh reimagining of one of the most enduring love stories in the Bible, promising to blend classic spiritual themes with contemporary drama and a star-studded cast. The film, directed by Alanna Brown, is already generating significant buzz, especially given its unique premise: a hip-hop artist named Ruth, played by Serayah McNeill, leaves the glitz of Atlanta for the quiet, rural landscape of Tennessee, where she encounters Boaz, played by Tyler Lepley. As of December 10, 2025, the official trailer is out, giving fans a first look at how this powerful story of loyalty, provision, and finding love in unexpected places will resonate with a new generation.

Meet the Star-Studded Cast of Tyler Perry's *Ruth & Boaz*

The film is anchored by a dynamic trio of actors, each bringing a strong background in television and film to their respective roles. Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin have assembled a cast that promises both star power and genuine dramatic depth for this modern biblical epic.

Serayah McNeill as Ruth

Serayah Ranee McNeill, known mononymously as Serayah, steps into the titular role of Ruth. She is best known to audiences for her breakout role as the pop-oriented R&B vocalist Tiana Brown on the hit television series *Empire* from 2015 to 2020. This background as a singer and dancer makes her casting as a rising Atlanta hip-hop artist a natural fit, providing a compelling foundation for the character's journey from the music industry to rural life.

Tyler Lepley as Boaz

Playing the role of Boaz is Tyler Lepley, an American actor who has become a familiar face in the Tyler Perry universe. Lepley is widely recognized for his long-running role as Benjamin "Benny" Young on the prime-time soap opera *The Haves and the Have Nots*. Beyond Perry's productions, he has garnered acclaim for his roles as Diamond on Starz's *P-Valley* and as Ian in the comedy series *Harlem*. His portrayal of the honorable and protective Boaz is highly anticipated.

Phylicia Rashad in a Key Role

Veteran actress Phylicia Rashad adds immense gravitas to the cast. Rashad is a true icon of American theater, film, and television, having gained initial fame as Clair Huxtable on *The Cosby Show*. Her career is marked by historic achievements, including becoming the first Black woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in *A Raisin in the Sun* in 2004. Her presence suggests a deeply emotional and significant role, likely that of Naomi, Ruth's loyal mother-in-law, or a similar matriarchal figure.

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The Modern Retelling: From Atlanta to Rural Tennessee

The core intrigue of Tyler Perry's adaptation lies in its contemporary setting and the stark contrast between Ruth's former life and her new surroundings. This modern lens allows the film to explore themes of resilience, community, and faith in a relatable way.

A Hip-Hop Artist's Unexpected Journey

The film centers on Ruth, an ambitious hip-hop artist whose life takes an unforeseen turn, leading her away from the bustling music scene of Atlanta, Georgia. This departure is reminiscent of the original biblical narrative, where Ruth, a Moabite woman, leaves her home to follow her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem. The modern adaptation replaces the ancient journey with a move to rural Tennessee, a setting that often symbolizes a return to simpler values or a place of healing in American storytelling.

The Kinsman-Redeemer in a Contemporary Context

In the Bible, Boaz is a wealthy, honorable kinsman-redeemer who shows great kindness to Ruth, allowing her to glean barley in his fields. The modern Boaz, played by Lepley, will embody this same spirit of provision and protection. The film will explore how the concept of a kinsman-redeemer—a figure who restores what was lost—translates into the 21st century, likely focusing on spiritual or emotional redemption rather than just legal land rights. The film's faith-based romance genre suggests a focus on divine timing and providence in bringing the two characters together.

Collaborative Vision and The Netflix Deal

The production is a major milestone, as it is the first film to emerge from the multi-year, multi-picture first-look deal between Tyler Perry Studios and DeVon Franklin. Franklin, a successful producer known for hit faith-based films like *Miracles from Heaven* and *The Star*, brings a deep understanding of the genre, ensuring the film maintains spiritual integrity while delivering high-quality entertainment. The involvement of Grammy-winning artist Lecrae in the cast further solidifies the film’s connection to contemporary Christian and gospel culture.

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The Biblical Foundation: Why the Story of Ruth and Boaz Endures

To truly appreciate Perry's modern retelling, one must understand the timeless power of the source material. The Book of Ruth, though one of the shortest books in the Old Testament, is a profound narrative rich with theological and relational entities.

Entities of Loyalty and Providence

The original story is a testament to unwavering loyalty (*chesed* in Hebrew). Ruth's famous declaration to Naomi, "Where you go, I will go," is the foundational act of the story. As a Moabite, Ruth was an outsider, yet she chose to embrace the God of Israel and her new community. This theme of the outsider being welcomed and provided for is a powerful message that resonates deeply with modern audiences and is a hallmark of many Tyler Perry productions.

The Lineage to King David

The significance of Ruth and Boaz extends far beyond their romance. Their union is a pivotal moment in biblical history, as their great-grandson was King David, the most celebrated king of Israel. This lineage is crucial because the messianic line, which Christians believe leads to Jesus Christ, traces directly through David. The film, therefore, is not just a love story; it is a story of destiny and how individual acts of faith and kindness can shape the course of history.

Topical Authority and Key Themes

The film is set to explore several key themes and entities that give it topical authority in the faith-based cinema landscape:

• Kinsman-Redeemer (Go’el): The concept of a relative who assumes responsibility for a family member in distress.
• Loyalty and Friendship: The bond between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
• The Outsider's Acceptance: Ruth's journey as a Moabitess into the Israelite community.
• Divine Providence: God’s orchestration of events, leading Ruth to Boaz's field.
• Setting: The contrast between the urban sprawl of Atlanta and the simplicity of rural Tennessee.
• Modern Challenges: How a hip-hop artist navigates a crisis of faith or career.

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Final Thoughts on the 2025 Release

*Ruth & Boaz* is positioned to be a major event for Netflix and the faith-based film community in 2025. With the combined creative forces of Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin, the direction of Alanna Brown, and a cast featuring Serayah, Tyler Lepley, and Phylicia Rashad, the film is poised to be a heartfelt, modern, and deeply resonant retelling of a timeless story. Mark your calendars for September 26, 2025, to witness this powerful exploration of love, faith, and destiny.