Kerry Washington is traveling back in time for Tyler Perry‘s historical “Six Triple Eight.”
The highly-anticipated Netflix feature is written and directed by Perry, who based the film on the article “Fighting A Two-Front War” by Kevin M. Hymel. The piece was published in WWII History Magazine by Sovereign Media.
“The Six Triple Eight” is inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII. Washington portrays Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The group, which consisted of 855 women, was tasked with sorting through a three-year backlog of 17 million pieces of undelivered mail, reconnecting American soldiers with their loved ones at home. The women of the Battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 after President Joe Biden signed the bill to honor them.
The official synopsis reads: “Despite facing racism and sexism and grueling working conditions, these officers were committed to serving their country with honor and distinction. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers.”
The ensemble cast includes Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, Jeanté Godlock, Jay Reeves, Jeffery Johnson, Baadja-Lyne Odums, Donna Biscoe, Gregg Sulkin, and Scott Daniel Johnson.
Oprah Winfrey, Susan Sarandon, Sam Waterston, and Dean Norris also star.
“The Six Triple Eight” features original song “The Journey” written by Diane Warren and performed by H.E.R., with choreography by Debbie Allen.
Washington, who also executive produces the film, said during the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival that bringing the true story to the screen was an “unbelievable” experience and life-changing production.
“I felt like these women were with us in this process,” Washington said. “You felt their spirit all the time.”
Producer Nicole Avant added, “Every single person, Black, white, anywhere in between, male, female, anybody can see themselves in those characters. Because all stories, to me, are human stories. Everything to me is about humanity.”
“Six Triple Eight” is produced by Perry, Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, and Carlota Espinosa. Lead star Washington and Peter Guber executive produce.
Perry inked a multi-year deal with Netflix in 2023.
“Six Triple Eight” premieres in select theaters December 6 and will stream on Netflix December 20. Check out the teaser below.
