Tyler Perry has been slated to portray detective Alex Cross in a new movie based on the James Patterson fictional character.

Tyler Perry, who introduced sitcoms 'Meet the Browns' and 'Tyler Perry's House of Payne' to television, is taking on his first project outside of his own creation! Perry, 41, is set to play Alex Cross in a new movie directed by Rob Cohen.

Perry should feel honored to be cast as the character, which's seen big screens three times since 1997, as admired actor Morgan Freeman previously portrayed Alex. Detective Alex Cross has been the subject of 17 novels and now three films.

Additional details regarding the film have not yet been released.