Taraji P. Henson is proving, once again, that when it comes to acting, she doesn’t need much time—just the right script.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the special New York screening of Tyler Perry’s Straw, the Oscar-nominated actress revealed that she filmed her entire role in just four days while simultaneously working on her hit Peacock series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
“I was also at the time working on Fight Night,” Henson shared. “They worked it out with my schedule. I went and shot this for four days and went right back to Fight Night.”
A Tight Schedule, A Powerful Role
Tyler Perry, who wrote, produced, and directed Straw, worked with precision to accommodate Henson’s busy calendar. Despite the limited window, the veteran filmmaker managed to capture all of her scenes.
“Taraji only had four days, so we figured it out in those four days,” Perry said. “It’s a great team—we all know what to do.”
This is far from the first collaboration between Perry and Henson. The two have previously worked together on Acrimony (2018), I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009), and The Family That Preys (2008). Henson says signing on for Straw was “a no-brainer.”
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“He continues to challenge me and himself every time he sends me a script,” she said. “He ups the ante every time. And I appreciate that because he knows I love a good challenge.”
Henson on Playing ‘Janiyah’: “She Scared Me A Lot”
In Straw, Henson takes on the role of Janiyah, a complex and emotionally intense character. While the details of the plot are still under wraps, Henson admitted the role deeply challenged her—and that’s exactly what drew her in.
“Janiyah did scare me a lot,” she confessed. “But I love giving a voice to the voiceless. I want anybody out there who identifies with Janiyah to know that they’re not alone. You are seen—and I see you.”
A Star-Studded Cast and a Bold Netflix Drama
Joining Henson in Straw are powerhouse talents:
- Teyana Taylor
- Sherri Shepherd
- Glynn Turman
- Sinbad
- Rockmond Dunbar
With such a strong ensemble and Perry’s signature emotional storytelling, Straw is poised to make an impact when it debuts.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Tyler Perry’s Straw premieres June 6 on Netflix.
The film promises to be a gripping drama about struggle, survival, and speaking out—and with Henson at the center, expect nothing less than brilliance, even in just four days of filming.
???? Are you excited to see Taraji P. Henson back in a Tyler Perry film?
Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to stream Straw on Netflix this Thursday!
