Tyler Perry seems to be expanding his film repertoire to include psychological thrillers. It’s been reported by AccessAtlanta.com that Perry is taking over the role of Alex Cross, originally played by Morgan Freeman, in the upcoming movie I, Alex Cross.
Freeman played the role of Alex Cross in the psychological thrillers, Kiss The Girls and Along Came A Spider, which were inspired by the famous James Patterson novels. However, QED, the production company for the film, wants to reboot the series with a younger, hipper actor in the lead role, hence Perry.
The casting move comes as a surprise considering that back in August it was reported that British actor Idris Elba was the front runner for the role.
Disappointed Elba-loving fans aside, can Perry pull it off?
The role of Alex Cross, a brainy, complicated, jazz-loving cop-psychologist, would be a stark contrast from Perry’s roles in his own over-the-top series of comedic Madea films for which he writes, acts and directs. He has attempted serious roles before in some of his own films, along with a brief appearance in the remake of Star Trek, but he hardly had enough screen time in that capacity to support judgment one way or the other.
We’re guessing though that QED is hoping Perry can hold his own to satifisy Cross fans, while bringing crossover success to the film franchise.
Do you think Perry can handle this role or do you think it would’ve been better suited for Elba? –nicholas robinson
