Tyler Perry is bringing some of gospel music’s largest names collectively for his newest Netflix movie, The Gospel of Christmas. Starring Fantasia Barrino Taylor and Durrell “Tank” Babbs, the upcoming vacation drama explores the significance of religion during troublesome occasions, with a solid that consists of CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, and The Clark Sisters. ESSENCE has an unique first look at the movie, which reunites Perry with Fantasia and gives Tank an alternative to introduce audiences to a completely different aspect of himself.
Written and directed by Perry, The Gospel of Christmas follows a struggling pastor who inherits his household’s church in a troubled New York neighborhood. As he tries to keep the congregation collectively, he faces challenges that threaten his marriage and his relationship with God. Tank performs Isaac Jefferson, the pastor, while Fantasia portrays his spouse, Rebecca, a lady whose religion becomes particularly important as her husband struggles to discover his manner.
Fantasia was excited to be a part of The Gospel of Christmas, because the alternative to work with Perry again came with a personal connection. The filmmaker has been a mentor to the singer since the early years of her profession, and the movie’s Christmas setting reminded her of her late grandmother, whose birthday fell on December 25.
“Long ago when I was in my early stages, didn’t have much guidance, didn’t have anybody really behind me, Tyler Perry took me up under his wing and he’s been like an angel on earth to me,” Fantasia said. “And just in honor of my grandmother on her birthday, I knew this was the role for me.”
Tank’s relationship with Perry dates back to 2006, when the filmmaker attended a stage manufacturing in which the singer was performing. Nearly 20 years later, Perry contacted him about starring in the movie. As the script developed, Tank acknowledged similarities between his character’s experiences and his own upbringing in the church. “He didn’t realize that he was writing exactly who I am versus just writing a story,” Tank defined. “I was like, ‘Bro, you have no idea that this is me.’”
Courtesy of Netflix
The movie also options an spectacular gathering of gospel performers, including Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful, Chanté Moore and Jekalyn Carr. Kirk Franklin serves as music producer, bringing his expertise to a project where gospel music performs an important position in the storytelling. For both leads, working alongside artists they grew up listening to was an expertise neither expected. Tank recollects arriving at the first desk learn without realizing the full solid, only to uncover himself surrounded by many of his musical heroes.
“It was just one of the happiest days of my life to be surrounded by my heroes, man, and to be part of this project and to see what all had come together,” he recalled. “And just the purpose of it felt bigger.”
Fantasia, who started singing gospel music at 5 years outdated, shared his pleasure. During filming, she discovered herself watching the performances of artists she had admired since childhood. “So it was an honor for me to be on set with so many legends,” she famous. “All I can say is the whole time we filmed this movie, I was on a natural high from music, from vocals, from the anointing that rests upon all of these greats that were a part of the movie.”
While Christmas offers the setting, the story locations specific emphasis on the position of the Black church and the significance of prayer. For Tank, those parts distinguish Perry’s newest project from other vacation movies. “I hope that people get the spirituality of it all,” he said. “The meaning of it all in terms of what Christmas really means.”
Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas premieres November 11 on Netflix.
Courtesy of Netflix
Courtesy of Netflix
Courtesy of Netflix
Courtesy of Netflix
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