Kerry Washington as an army captain delivers a rousing speech to the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to battle overseas during the Second World War in the teaser trailer (below) for Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight from writer, director and producer Tyler Perry.
“This is our mission. And we will not fail,” Major Charity Adams (Washington) declares quayside as the 855 Black women and women of color of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion march forward at her command to board a ship taking them to battle.
Their mission was to sort through a three-year backlog of mail — 17 million letters in all — yet to be delivered to American soldiers overseas, to restore morale on the front lines.
The Netflix biopic is part of an effort to give the 6888th battalion belated recognition for their heroism as they overcame discrimination to complete their letter-posting duties well ahead of schedule. The Six Triple Eight is based on Kevin M. Hymel’s article “Fighting a Two-Front War,” featured in WWII History Magazine and is Perry’s fourth movie for Netflix.
The synopsis details that the film is “inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII. Despite facing racism and sexism — and grueling working conditions — they 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.”
Besides Washington, 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, Scott Daniel Johnson, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston and Oprah Winfrey.
Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, Carlota Espinosa and Perry share producer credits, while Peter Guber and Washington executive produce.
The Six Triple Eight will play in select theaters from Dec. 6 before streaming on Netflix on Dec. 20.
