Tyler Perry’s ‘The Six Triple Eight’ Is His Most-Watched Netflix Movie to Date, Boosts His Other Movies on the Streamer by 45% (EXCLUSIVE)

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Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight” has become his most-streamed Netflix film so far, garnering a massive 52.4 million views in its first month, and this success has also increased interest in watching more of Perry’s movies available on the platform.

Netflix informs EbMaster that viewership for Perry’s four other Netflix films (including “Mea Culpa” from 2024, “A Jazzman’s Blues” and “A Madea Homecoming” both from 2022, as well as “A Fall from Grace” from 2020) has seen a significant rise of over 45% since the release of “The Six Triple Eight,” which started streaming on Dec. 20. Additionally, this film ranked among the Top 10 in over 85 countries, making it the most successful for Perry in terms of global reach on Netflix’s platform.

It’s logical to assume that the high viewership figures were likely a key factor behind Netflix and Perry signing a multi-year first-look film deal in 2023. Known for his prolific production work, Perry has also managed to churn out titles at a faster pace than many other content creators on Netflix. This agreement was subsequently expanded last year to encompass series like “Beauty in Black,” which quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s TV chart in October, as well as producing faith-based films in collaboration with producer DeVon Franklin.

In the creation, direction, and production by Perry, “The Six Triple Eight” unfolds an unheard narrative – that of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a unique troop comprised of Black women and women of color, who served in Europe during World War II. Kerry Washington serves as executive producer and takes on the role of Major Charity Adams, the leader of this battalion consisting of 855 women. Their vital contribution to the war effort is highlighted through their task of sorting a massive backlog of mail (approximately 17 million items), significantly boosting morale. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Ebony Obsidian, who portrays Lena Derricott King – a member of the 6888 whose personal tale of love and loss inspired Perry to write this screenplay. Additionally, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, and Oprah Winfrey are part of the cast.

During a chat with EbMaster in December, Perry shared his reasons for being cautious about accepting the project when Nicole Avant, the producer, proposed that he direct it.

Perry reacted with surprise when he was suggested to create a World War II film. However, after showing her some parts of ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’, she confidently responded, “Yes, you can handle this.”

Or:

Perry was taken aback when they proposed making a World War II movie, but after sharing snippets of ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’ with her, she asserted, “Go ahead, you’ve got this!”

Or:

When they floated the idea of a World War II film, Perry was taken aback. But after catching her eye with some scenes from ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’, she nodded confidently, saying, “You can do it.”

Each version aims to convey the same information in a slightly different way while maintaining readability and clarity.

2022’s period drama served as a pivotal moment for Perry. He had drafted the screenplay for this film back in 1995, but it wasn’t until 27 years later that he managed to bring it to life. During the filming process, Perry discovered his passion for filmmaking – specifically, the lighting and overall production process – for the very first time. With this newfound experience, he felt ready to tackle “The Six Triple Eight.

Upon receiving this from Nicole and witnessing these women, I could sense the strength in their story and felt compelled to give it justice,” Perry explained about how the filmmakers meticulously recreated the era. This included an impressive snippet of archival footage showing the battalion marching through the streets upon arriving overseas. (He collaborated with choreographer Debbie Allen to ensure every step was precise.)

He emphasized that each aspect was crucial due to the unfortunate events these women experienced and the way they were treated afterwards. The goal was to recognize them and shower them with appreciation, to convey that their importance was recognized. In every moment, I paid meticulous attention to every detail because that’s where the care lies. I aimed to ensure that in heaven, they would be smiling with satisfaction.

The movie, costing $70 million, marked Tyler Perry’s biggest production yet. He filmed it at his self-named studio in Atlanta, previously a U.S. Army base that stood in for Fort Oglethorpe’s training ground. Additionally, some scenes were shot on location in London, which was a novelty for the filmmaker. Despite being Perry’s costliest production so far (comparable to other World War II films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Inglorious Basterds), it has received some of his best reviews yet.

In his review, EbMaster’s chief film critic Peter Debruge praised Perry’s film as impressive in its topic and scope, indicating that it portrays how these women’s accomplishments significantly boosted the soldiers’ spirits, even amidst resistance from doubtful commanding officers. The movie mirrors ‘Hidden Figures’ and pays tribute to those who laid the groundwork for advancement in various sectors, making ‘The Six Triple Eight’ Perry’s most significant and impressive work yet.

For the first time, Perry was involved in a global Netflix tour for the movie’s release, which included cities like London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Washington D.C. The marketing strategy primarily targeted military organizations, veteran groups, and students, with notable events such as the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, a screening at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. During this visit, Perry, along with Washington and Obsidian, paid respects to the 6888 members by laying flowers on their graves, presenting a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in their honor, and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

During award season, the success of a movie is not only determined by its box office performance, but also by accolades it receives. In line with this, “The Six Triple Eight” has been recognized with five NAACP Image Award nominations, one of which is for outstanding motion picture.

The “Six Triple Eight” is created by Perry, Avant for Her Excellency Productions, Keri Selig for Intuition Productions, Carlota Espinosa, Angi Bones, and Tony Strickland for Tyler Perry Studios. Peter Guber of Mandalay Pictures oversees the project in collaboration with Washington.

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2025-01-17 22:17