Serayah and Tyler Lepley Bring Bible Story to Life in R&B Romance Ruth & Boaz Produced by DeVon Franklin Showcasing Love as the Universe’s Most Powerful Force
**Rising Stars Serayah and Tyler Lepley Shine in Netflix’s “Ruth & Boaz”**
Bringing the Biblical Love Story to Life
A stroke of destiny united actors Serayah and Tyler Lepley in Netflix’s modern reimagining of the biblical tale “Ruth & Boaz.” As casting for the film neared completion, producer DeVon Franklin found himself without a duo for the lead roles until Serayah entered the audition for Ruth. Known for her talent in El-Balad’s “Kingdom Business,” Serayah captured the essence of Ruth immediately.
Finding Boaz proved more challenging. It wasn’t until Tyler Lepley submitted his self-taped audition that the filmmakers saw their perfect Boaz. “We did a chemistry read with Serayah, and it was just magic,” Franklin shared with Variety. Their previous collaboration on the horror film “Goons” only served to strengthen their onscreen chemistry in this romantic drama.
A Modern Take on a Classic Story
“Ruth & Boaz,” now available for streaming on Netflix, adapts the timeless story to a contemporary setting. The plot centers around Ruth Moably, portrayed by Serayah, a budding hip-hop artist who flees Atlanta for a rural Tennessee town following a tragic altercation. There, she supports Naomi, her late boyfriend’s mother, and reignites her passion for music by working at a vineyard where she meets and falls for Boaz, played by Lepley.
For Serayah, the role of Ruth mirrors her real-life experiences in the music world. “Finding my voice, stepping out on faith—all that’s been part of my own journey,” she explained, drawing parallels between the story and her personal life. Her journey in the film is accompanied by cameos from music industry legends like Jermaine Dupri and Yung Joc.
Musical Collaborations with Icons
The film’s soundtrack features a special contribution from R&B legend Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The Grammy-winning artist penned and produced the song “Faithful,” performed by Serayah in the movie. Collaborating with Babyface was a dream come true for Serayah, despite her initial nervousness. “It was amazing working with someone of his stature,” she said, expressing her hope for future collaborations.
Faith and Love in Challenging Times
While Serayah was familiar with Ruth and Boaz’s story, Lepley was introduced to it through his role. “Though I was new to their tale, like Boaz, my faith has guided me through many trials,” Lepley remarked. This central theme of unwavering faith is echoed throughout the film, directed by Alanna Brown and produced under the collaboration between Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin with Netflix.
Franklin, inspired by his sermons on singleness and relationships, recognized the timeless appeal of Ruth and Boaz’s story. “It’s a narrative filled with romance, adversity, and rich characters,” he noted. “Adapting it into a modern context felt both timely and significant.”
The Message of Love and Hope
Ultimately, “Ruth & Boaz” serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and faith. Franklin hopes audiences will be moved by love’s might and transformative potential. “Love is the most powerful force in the universe,” he affirmed. “Stay open to love, and it can change everything.”
