If you’ve been wondering what to expect from Tyler Perry’s next project, Netflix WWII drama Six Triple Eight, director and film star Kerry Washington has taken a first look.
Written, directed, and produced by Perry, “Six Triple Eight” tells the inspirational true story of the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. The project is currently filming in the UK and Perry shared a picture from the set with his all-star cast including Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Jeanté Godlock, Moriah Brown , Dean Norris and Scott Daniel Johnson.
“Honoring the long-ignored value of the 6888 has been the greatest privilege of my career thus far,” Perry captioned his photo, which shows the filmmaker on set amidst his main cast and a vast troupe of backing cast representing the 855 women who served in the battalion .
Washington, who serves as the film’s executive producer, also shared a few behind-the-scenes pics from the set and used her input to explain the remarkable way she came on board with the project.
“God as my witness, last year I posted a #BlackHERstory picture of me dressed as Lena Derricott – a young woman who served in 6888 Battalion, the only all-black, all-female battalion serving overseas during World War II served,” Washington wrote on Instagram. “At the time I was unaware of this, there was some information in my email inbox that Tyler Perry had sent me about a film he was planning to make about these phenomenal women!”
It was a case of luck or maybe fate. Shortly thereafter, Washington explained, she met with Perry and they “marveled at the coincidence.” Washington then read the script and signed on to play the role of Captain Charity Adams, commander of the 6888 Battalion.
“Tyler has assembled a cadre of extraordinarily talented young actresses to play Army recruits,” Washington wrote when asked to play the leader, who was later promoted to the rank of major. “It is the honor and privilege of my life to follow in the footsteps of these women. They are the epitome of strength, endurance, resilience and #BlackHERstory. I can’t wait for you to see her in action!”
Also in the film are Oprah Winfrey, Sam Waterston and Susan Sarandon, although none are featured in these first look photos.
Perry wrote the screenplay based on an article by Kevin M. Hymel that was published in Sovereign Media’s WWII History Magazine, which helped popularize the history of the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion.
Perry teased the project in an August 2022 interview with Variety, saying his next film would be set during World War II and feature “some incredible people who have been overlooked for years.” Netflix officially announced the film in December. Production on the film began earlier this week.
Six Triple Eight is Tyler Perry’s fourth Netflix film after A Fall From Grace, A Madea Homecoming and A Jazzman’s Blues. The project is produced by Perry; Nicole Avant for her Excellence Productions; Keri Selig for Intuition Productions; Carlota Espinosa; Angi Bones and Tony Strickland for Tyler Perry Studios. Mandalay Pictures executive Peter Guber is co-producing the project with Washington.
