The Six Triple Eight: Trailer, Release date, cast, plot, & Everything we know About Tyler Perry’s WWII Drama

Netflix's upcoming war drama The Six Triple Eight has been making waves with its compelling story and recently released a teaser, setting the stage for an emotionally charged and inspiring film. 

Directed by Tyler Perry, the film delves into the remarkable true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit in World War II, tasked with an extraordinary mission of sorting through a massive backlog of undelivered mail to American soldiers. 

With stars like Kerry Washington and Oprah Winfrey leading the charge, the movie promises to shine a light on these unsung heroes and their crucial role in boosting morale on the front lines.

The latest teaser offers a glimpse of the challenges these women faced, both on the battlefield and in the face of discrimination. Washington’s portrayal of Major Charity Adams resonates with determination, as she declares, “We have the most to prove.” 

This article will dive deep into everything we know about The Six Triple Eight—from its compelling plot and standout cast to intriguing behind-the-scenes details. Stay tuned as we continue to update you with the latest news and insights surrounding this much-anticipated film!

Release date & Where to Watch

The Six Triple Eight will have a limited theatrical release starting Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, followed by its Netflix debut on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. The film is rated PG-13 due to language, including racial slurs, thematic content, and some depictions of war violence.

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Plot

The Six Triple Eight is based on the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II. Despite facing extreme racism, sexism, and poor working conditions, the 855 women of the 6888th were tasked with sorting through a massive backlog of 17 million pieces of mail meant for soldiers. Their mission carried significant emotional weight, as letters from home had gone undelivered for years, causing low morale among troops.

Under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the battalion worked tirelessly, often in segregated and poorly maintained facilities. Despite these challenges, they created a community within their unit, even setting up amenities like a mess hall and hair salon. The women completed their mission in just 90 days, half the time originally assigned. Their efforts restored morale on the front lines and shattered many of the barriers that had stood against women and people of color in the military.

Tyler Perry was inspired to bring this story to life after connecting with Lena Derriecott King, a member of the 6888th Battalion. Perry based his script on Kevin M. Hymel’s article "Fighting A Two-Front War," published in WWII History Magazine. Throughout the production, reminders of the battalion's legacy were ever-present, including moments like the discovery of Major Adams' personal trunk filled with her belongings.

The film highlights the resilience, determination, and bravery of these women as they fought not just for their country but against the discrimination they faced within it. The Six Triple Eight tells their story of hope, unity, and the breaking of long-standing barriers, ensuring that these unsung heroes are finally recognized.

Cast

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• Kerry Washington (Scandal) as Major Charity Adams
• Ebony Obsidian (Sistas, Master of None) as Lena Derriecott King
• Milauna Jackson (A Jazzman’s Blues, How to Get Away with Murder) as Captain Campbell
• Kylie Jefferson (Tiny Pretty Things) as Bernice Baker
• Shanice Shantay (The Wiz Live!, Perfect Harmony) as Johnnie Mae
• Sarah Jeffery (Across the Line, Charmed) as Dolores Washington
• Pepi Sonuga (Queens, Famous in Love) as Elaine White
• Moriah Brown (Power Book II: Ghost, Raising Dion) as Inez
• Jeanté Godlock (The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar, Daybreak) as Vera
• Jay Reeves (Safety, All American) as Private Hugh Bell
• Baadja-Lyne Odums (Eddie’s, This Is Us) as Susie
• Donna Biscoe (Hidden Figures, The Fundamentals of Caring) as Emma Derriecott
• Gregg Sulkin (Runaways, Faking It) as Abram David
• Scott Daniel Johnson (The Banker, A Man in Full) as General Lee
• Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking) as Eleanor Roosevelt
• Dean Norris (Breaking Bad, Unfrosted) as General Halt
• Sam Waterston (Law & Order, Grace and Frankie) as President Roosevelt
• Oprah Winfrey (The Color Purple) as Mary Jane McLeod Bethune
• Jeffery Johnson (Bird of Paradise, Elkhorn)

Official Teaser

“This is our mission. And we will not fail,” Major Charity Adams firmly states in the teaser as she leads the 855 Black women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, marching to board a ship bound for battle. Their crucial task: to clear a three-year backlog of 17 million undelivered letters to American soldiers overseas, ensuring morale was restored on the front lines during World War II.

In the first look, she commands her troops with authority, saying, “I am giving you my best, and you will give me yours. A lot of people do not want us to succeed. We have the most to prove.” She firmly welcomes them to the Women’s Army Corps, setting the tone for the challenges ahead as they prepare for their mission.

On Nov. 25, 2024, the official trailer was released. It showed the formation of the Six Triple Eight battalion and what their purpose was- to provide hope by delivering mail. Check out the trailer below:

Is The Six Triple Eight Based on a true Story?

Yes, The Six Triple Eight is based on a true story, specifically about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit to serve in Europe during World War II. In 1945, the battalion was tasked with sorting a massive backlog of 17 million pieces of mail under difficult conditions. Despite facing segregation and poor living conditions, they completed the job in just 90 days—half the time they were given.

Tyler Perry was inspired to make the film after meeting Lena Derriecott King, a member of the 6888th who passed away at age 100 in January 2024. After their conversation, Perry envisioned the film as a tribute to her and the battalion's incredible work. 

Filming

Filming began on Jan. 17, 2023, in Atlanta, with additional production taking place in Little Germany, Bradford in February. On March 28, 2023, filming continued in Cedartown, Georgia.

Behind the Scenes

Written and directed by Tyler Perry, this film showcases his multifaceted talents, as he also crafted the screenplay and served as a producer. Joining him in production are Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, and Carlota Espinosa. Additionally, Peter Guber and Kerry Washington take on executive producer roles. The movie features an original song, “The Journey,” penned by Diane Warren, a 15-time Oscar nominee, and performed by H.E.R., an Oscar-winning artist.