Franklin Entertainment

DeVon Franklin
DeVon Franklin
Born	April 13, 1978 (age 48); Oakland, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Producer, author, inspirational speaker
Years active	2000–present
Known for	Producing films such as Miracles from Heaven and Heaven Is for Real; authoring The Wait

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Franklin Entertainment, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 28 November 2025

DeVon Franklin (born April 13, 1978) is an American producer, author, and inspirational speaker, recognized for his work on films such as Miracles from Heaven and Heaven Is for Real, as well as the New York Times Best Seller The Wait, which he co-authored with his then-wife Meagan Good.

Early life

Franklin grew up in Oakland, California, as the son of Donald Ray and Paulette Franklin, alongside two brothers. Following his parents' separation and the untimely passing of his father at age 36 due to a heart attack, Franklin was nurtured by a strong female support system consisting of his mother, grandmother, and aunts. This network was instrumental in shaping his resilience and character.

In a 2016 personal essay, Franklin reflected on how this female "coalition" laid the groundwork for his growth into manhood, complementing male role models such as his grandfather and pastor uncle. After losing his father, he concentrated on his studies while cultivating a passion for theater and storytelling. Influenced by television programs like The Cosby Show and The Color Purple, he pursued film and television studies to learn how to motivate viewers. Additionally, he began preaching at his uncle's church, delivering his inaugural sermon at age 15.

Education

Franklin earned a degree from the University of Southern California in 2000, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Cinema-Television.

Early career

During his time at USC, Franklin completed an internship at Overbrook Entertainment under Will Smith and James Lassiter. After graduation, he secured a full-time position at Overbrook before transitioning to Edmonds Entertainment as a junior executive.

Studio positions

In 2003, Franklin took on the role of creative executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, contributing to projects including John Travolta’s 2005 film Be Cool. Following Sony Pictures’ acquisition of MGM in 2005, he joined Columbia Pictures under Sony as Director of Development.

At Columbia Pictures, Franklin managed films such as The Pursuit of Happyness, Hancock, and Seven Pounds, reuniting with mentor Will Smith. These achievements led to his promotion to Vice President. Franklin prioritized producing films that both inspire audiences and achieve commercial success.

As Vice President, he oversaw productions including The Pink Panther 2, the faith-centered Not Easily Broken, The Ugly Truth, and Whitney Houston’s Sparkle. He also played a role in supporting box office successes like The Karate Kid and Jumping the Broom. His influence was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most impactful executives under 35 and by the NAACP as a Top 10 Industry Impact Player.

In 2012, Franklin was promoted to Senior Vice President of Production at Columbia Pictures, becoming one of the youngest individuals in that position. His focus included urban and faith-based audiences with films such as the diverse remake of Annie and the surprise hit Heaven Is For Real.

Franklin led the adaptation process for the bestselling book Heaven Is for Real, overseeing script development through production. Made on a $12 million budget, the movie earned over $100 million worldwide, ranking among the most successful faith-based films. Drawing from personal experience, Franklin aimed to convey themes of hope and tranquility to viewers.

Among his last projects as a studio executive was the reimagining of Annie, where he acted as executive producer. He contributed to script development, production oversight, and promotional efforts. Franklin emphasized the film’s distinctive diverse casting and contemporary New York backdrop while underscoring its enduring themes of faith, connection, and family that resonate with today’s audiences.

Franklin Entertainment

In July 2014, Franklin established Franklin Entertainment, initially entering into a first-look production agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment. He holds the positions of president and CEO. By 2016, the company secured a multi-year first-look deal with 20th Century Fox, which now serves as its headquarters.

That same year, Franklin produced the notable film Miracles from Heaven, adapted from Christy Beam's memoir. This American Christian drama features Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah and tells the true account of Beam’s daughter, who experienced a miraculous recovery from a rare illness. With a production budget of $13 million, the movie achieved $73 million in global box office revenue despite receiving mixed critical feedback. It garnered nominations at both the People's Choice and Teen Choice Awards, winning Best Movie for Drama at the latter event.

Franklin also took on an executive producer role for the animated faith-centered movie The Star, created by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Oscar nominee Timothy Reckart. Released in 2017, the film follows a donkey and his companions on a journey inspired by the Nativity Story. The voice cast includes Kelly Clarkson, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Steven Yeun, among others.

Currently, Franklin has multiple projects underway. These include Breakthrough for 20th Century Studios, which is inspired by the true story of a boy who survived drowning through his mother’s prayers. He is also producing the adaptation of Cathy Byrd's memoir The Boy Who Knew Too Much. Additional projects involve a reboot of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in collaboration with Columbia Pictures and a remake of Cooley High at MGM featuring Common. On television, Franklin is developing a reimagined version of the Foxy Brown series for Hulu with Meagan Good starring.

Preacher and TV personality

Franklin began his preaching ministry at age 15 and frequently appears on The Dr. Oz Show, where he offers advice on spirituality, relationships, and wellness. His media appearances extend to shows such as Dr. Phil, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, and Oprah's Super Soul Sunday. Additionally, Franklin was honored by inclusion in Oprah’s SuperSoul100 list recognizing influential leaders.

Works

Franklin has authored two best-selling titles: Produced by Faith: Enjoy Real Success without Losing Your True Self and the New York Times best-seller The Wait: A Powerful Practice for Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love. His 2017 publication, The Hollywood Commandments: A Spiritual Guide to Secular Success, further delves into blending faith with professional achievement.

Produced by Faith

Published in June 2012, Produced by Faith outlines a business philosophy that promotes career advancement without sacrificing religious beliefs. Franklin advocates for harmonizing faith with personal life and work pursuits. He encourages readers to identify their Big Idea, progress professionally, and uphold Christian values while selecting industries or companies that resonate with their mission. He asserts, "You don't have to compromise your faith to pursue your career dreams."

The Wait

Co-authored with then-wife Meagan Good and released in February 2016, The Wait achieved status as a New York Times bestseller across various categories. The book recounts their personal journey while promoting abstinence until marriage as a path to genuine love. It emphasizes how practicing delayed gratification positively impacts relationships as well as other life dimensions such as career development and spiritual growth. According to KTTV, it explores "finding true love through celibacy" alongside broader benefits linked to patience.

The Hollywood Commandments

Released on September 26, 2017, by HarperOne, The Hollywood Commandments: A Spiritual Guide to Secular Success inspires readers to chase their passions in areas such as career, relationships, and spirituality.

The Truth About Men

In 2019, Franklin authored The Truth About Men: What Men and Women Need to Know.

Personal life

A practicing Seventh-day Adventist, Franklin lives in Los Angeles. He began a relationship with actress Meagan Good in 2011 and they married on June 16, 2012, in Malibu, California. The couple openly shared their decision to remain abstinent until marriage. After nine years together, Franklin filed for divorce in December 2021; the separation was finalized by June 2022.

In 2024, Franklin entered a relationship with celebrity trainer Maria Castillo, and they wed on August 2, 2025, at Casa Lago Beverly Hills.

Recognition

Beliefnet honored him as one of the "Most Influential Christians Under 40," Variety featured him among the "Top 10 Producers to Watch," and Ebony included him in its list of the "Top 100 Influential African-Americans in America."

Filmography

External links