Tyler Perry Sets Drama ‘Joy Ridge’ at Amazon MGM Studios, Starring Shannon Thornton and Tosin Morohunfola (EXCLUSIVE)

Angelique Jackson
·3 min read
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Tyler Perry has wrapped production on the third movie in his four-picture deal with Amazon MGM Studios, a drama led by “P-Valley” and “Mea Culpa” star Shannon Thornton and “Run The World’s” Tosin Morohunfola.

Perry wrote, directed and produced the film, which recently wrapped filming on location in Colorado and at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta under the working title “Joy Ridge.”

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“Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, Joy (Thornton) finds herself on a holiday trip with a man she envisions as ‘the one,” the film’s official logline reads. “However, her journey takes an enchanting turn as she stumbles upon someone who might just redefine her notions about the life she once knew back home.”

Tyler Perry Studios executives Angi Bones and Will Areu produced the film alongside Perry, who has now announced three of the movies in the four-picture deal he inked with Amazon in November 2022. Last June, Perry revealed the first two films: “Black, White & Blue,” a drama set amid the aftermath of an incident of police brutality, starring Meagan Tandy, Kat Graham and Tyler Lepley; and “Divorce in the Black,” which is led by Meagan Good and focuses on a broken marriage.

The movie marks a reunion for Perry and Thornton, who played a supporting role in his latest hit movie, the Netflix thriller “Mea Culpa,” starring Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes. But this time, Thornton, who is best known for starring as Keyshawn (aka Miss Mississippi) on the NAACP Image Award-winning Starz series “P-Valley,” is elevated to lead status.

Thornton’s credits include recurring roles on Starz’s “Power,” CW’s “Dynasty” and Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” as well as appearances on “FBI,” “Law & Order: SVU,” Blue Bloods” and “Time After Time.” She is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency, MKSD Talent, Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz and imPRint.

Morohunfola is best known for his series regular role on Starz’ “Run the World,” as well as recurring roles in “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” opposite David Oyelowo, and Max’s “Julia.” His TV credits also include “Black Lightning,” “Love Is,” “Everything’s Trash,” “The Chi,” “Stumptown,” “NCIS,” “I’m Sorry” and “Chicago Med.” Recent film roles include a starring role in Prime Video’s “Black Box,” as well as Kevin Willmott’s “The 24th,” “North of the 10,” “Friend Request” and “Always a Bridesmaid.” Morohunfola is also a filmmaker whose festival-selected films include “Endowed,” “On Sight” and “The Pulpit.” He is represented by Stewart Talent, ColorCreative and Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz.

Rounding out the cast are Brittany S. Hall (“Ballers,” “Dear Edward”), Inayah (“The Ms. Pat Show”), Eric Stanton Betts (“Birthright Outlaw,” “Martinez, Margaritas and Murder!”), Derek Dixon (“The Oval,” “Ruthless”), Natalie O’Connell, Jeffery Thomas Johnson (“Aquarium of the Dead”), Whitney Goin (“Every Witch Way,” “The Blind”) and Aaron O’Connell (“Heels,” “Love Accidentally”).

Hall is represented by LINK Entertainment, Independent Artist Group, Alexander White Agency, and Myman Greenspan. Inayah is represented by United Talent Agency. Betts is represented by Artistic Endeavors and Eris Talent Agency. Goin is represented by Alexander White Agency. O’Connell is represented by Gilbertson Entertainment and Innovative Artists.

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