First Look At Netflix's 'A Jazzman's Blues' Is Here And It's Already Exciting

Romance is not dead. In fact, it's probably the power of love that moved Madea performer Tyler Perry to make a film about forbidden love called A Jazzman’s Blues, PEOPLE reported. Even though this romance trope is quite popular, the period drama setting with its interwoven secrets make the film sound like just the right amount of cliché to huddle in for a movie night.

Written in 1995, the screenplay has been important to Perry because that time in his life was filled with hardships and struggle. “I was in Atlanta struggling to make it. I was hungry, sleeping on my cousin's couch, eventually getting put out and being homeless. I was trying to get my first play off the ground, and this screenplay just poured out of me,” he recalled. “I held onto it for all of these years.”

The story follows two star-crossed lovers Bayou and Leanne played by actors Joshua Boone and Solea Pfeiffer. It is set in the deep south in the 1940s, where their forbidden love becomes a catalyst for major secrets and lies to unravel. “I wrote it in 1995. It was the first screenplay I ever wrote,” Perry, 52, explained. “The two characters are just trying to find their own way in the world. Initially, I wanted to play the lead role of Bayou, but that was 1995—I aged out.”

A Jazzman’s Blues is coming to Netflix on September 23, 2022. After being a successful playwright, this is a new undertaking for the Hollywood mogul. The film isn’t just another screenplay for Perry, it is a project quite close to his heart. 

Joining him in this passion project are Amirah Vann, Austin Scott, Milauna Jemai Jackson, Brent Antonello, Brad Benedict, Kario Marcel, Lana Young, and Ryan Eggold, who star in the film. There's an original song performed by Ruth B., songs arranged and produced by Terence Blanchard, music by Aaron Zigman, and choreography by Debbie Allen.

A diversion from your specialty is often met with skepticism, but Perry is determined to prove the critics wrong by arguing that he is capable of delivering a hit. "Everyone has their team, and these teams don't necessarily understand the power of my audience and what I bring. This is a much broader film. I can't wait for all the people who turned it down to see it. It's just going to be really, really special," he gushed.

It may be noted that critics are not the last line of defense when it comes to a project like this. If it resonates with the audience, they will push the film up on the top 10 list.