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Premiering on Netflix October 2nd is the new drama ‘Doing Life’, which was written and directed by Tyler Perry (‘Why Did I Get Married Again?’).
“Choose a love that breaks all chains.”
Release Oct 2, 2026Runtime 1h 52m
The film stars Jay Reeves (‘The Six Triple Eight’), Naomi Baker (‘All American: Homecoming’), Tamberla Perry (‘They Cloned Tyrone’), Karen Obilom (‘House Party’), Jasmine Sargent (‘Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’), Lucky Johnson (‘2 Guns’), and Danielle Moné Truitt (‘The Princess and the Frog’).
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jay Reeves and Naomi Baker about their work on ‘Doing Life’, their first reaction to the screenplay, their characters, shooting the prison riot sequence, working together, and collaborating on set with director Tyler Perry.
Related Article: Writer and Director Tyler Perry Talks ‘Mea Culpa’ Starring Kelly Rowland
Moviefone: To begin with, Naomi, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and what were some of the aspects of this character that you were excited to explore on screen?
Naomi Baker: So, my first reaction was I am so honored that Tyler would call me and ask me to do this project. I think what I was most excited for is just being an actor, we constantly have this fight for ourselves of keeping hope after rejection. I felt like I really related to Anika when it came to just having dreams, but also some days you question it a little bit more. So this was obviously different circumstances, but I could really relate to her in that and I knew it was going to be exciting to explore it with this film.
MF: Jay, what is it like being on a Tyler Perry set and collaborating with him as a director?
Jay Reeves: Well, this is my second Tyler Perry film now, working with him on ‘The Six Triple Eight’ and now in ‘Doing Life’. Working with Mr. Perry is always the best time to me. We get to really collaborate and bring our ideas to the character. Not every job is requiring that or asking that, but working with him, he really allows us to do that. I couldn’t be more grateful, to be honest.
MF: Jay, can you talk about the challenges of shooting the prison riot sequence?
JR: Without giving out any spoilers, with Mr. Perry, it was great. He hired some really talented stunt performers and we were able to make sure everyone was safe and execute it in the best fashion we were able to. Thanks to him, honestly.
MF: Naomi, can you talk about the relationship that forms between Anika and Carousel and what it was like creating that with Jay?
NB: So, I was really grateful that we had time to get to know each other before we started filming. Jay and I were able to figure out each other personally and also discuss the script. So it was really nice just getting to know him on a person to person level and getting comfortable to explore when the cameras came up.
MF: Jay, how would you describe the relationship between these two characters in your own words and what was your experience like working with Naomi?
JR: Between the two characters is explosive. From the moment that they had that moment in the prison to the end of the movie, I feel like these characters are constantly searching for each other and also themselves. To see that and then also get to know Naomi on a personal level and discuss it, we were able to really untangle whatever thoughts they may have and perform that to the best of our ability.
MF: Finally, Naomi, what was your experience like working with Tyler Perry on this film?
NB: Oh my gosh, it was incredible. I’m really honored that he would allow me to step into this role, but he was so collaborative. I was really grateful because I do feel like I’m still learning a lot in this industry. So just having his support and his belief in me really helped me have confidence in doing this.
What is the plot of ‘Doing Life’?
A single mother and former prison officer (Naomi Baker) forms a bond with a reformed ex-convict (Jay Reeves) who once protected her during a violent riot in the prison.
Who is in the cast of ‘Doing Life’?
- Naomi Baker as Anika
- Jay Reeves as Carousel
- Tamberla Perry as Cathy
- Karen Obilom as Trina
- Jasmine Sargent as Lisa
- Lucky Johnson as Quinn
- Danielle Moné Truitt as Denise
