During this holiday season, Director Terry McMillan and Lifetime have released all-new original films, adding to the Terry McMillan Presents franchise. Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love, is a movie filled with a star-studded cast like Tobias Truvillion, B. Simone, Reginae Carter, Da Brat, with Emmy-Award winning actress Karrcheue Tran and Mark ‘JP’ Hood playing the main characters.
“It was our first time meeting, and it was actually on set during a scene, and it was instant chemistry that only grew,” both Hood and Tran said. “It was essential for us to bring these characters and make the story as real as possible.”
Tran plays as a rapper named Charlie Jones, who has fallen from grace after being released from prison and is lost on her next step in life and her career. She meets Pastor Kyrus Owens (Hood) during her community service, and they instantly connect as they both are going through trials of differentiation, public perception vs their new reality.
“It was so fun to tap into a new character that was challenging and gave me the experience to rap, since I’ve never done that before.” Tran was aided by local artists and in-house writers to bring the Charlie Mega rap persona to life. “They did such an amazing job helping me and Davia; she was such a gentle and patient light in the studio as I was trying to learn how to rap.”
Hood had an easier time relating to his character, as they are both pastor kids, while Hood took the actor route, Kyrus chose to stay in the church. “I come from three generations of pastors, so stepping into this role was second nature to me outside of actually being a preacher.” Hood, while a preacher’s kid, was heavily supported by his parents to pursue acting since they had him in classes as a child.” No, I hit the jackpot with partners as they set me up with a solid foundation not only with God in my life but also being invested in my own interest.”
Owens and Charlie come from two different walks of life, and this unlikely pair falls in love despite the circumstances and people against their union. You can watch the movie on Lifetime and on streaming services.