Tyler Perry’s previous Madea movies have raked in more than $600 million at the box office. But a theatrical debut for “A Madea Homecoming,” which launches Feb. 25 on Netflix, was never part of his conversation with the company.

“I didn’t even think about it. They’re a streaming service, and I understand the importance of making content in support of that,” Perry tells Variety, noting that he released “Madea’s Farewell Play,” a filmed version of the stage show, on BET Plus when launching the streamer with ViacomCBS in 2019.

Despite skipping the megaplex this time, Perry is still a believer in the theatrical experience.

“There will be some slight changes or some erosion, but some movies and experiences are meant to be enjoyed in a room full of people on a huge screen, and not on the computer or television,” he says. “My hope is that theaters and theater chains...