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EXCLUSIVE: In his first major film role since leaving Lost, Matthew Fox has signed on to play an assassin in I, Alex Cross, the reboot of the James Patterson franchise character that’s being put together by QED with Tyler Perry starring and Rob Cohen directing. Ed Burns has also signed on to play Tommy Kane, Cross’s partner. At least three studios are vying for the project and a domestic distribution deal will be set imminently.
Contrary to his virtuous Lost character Jack Shepard, Fox will be playing one bad dude in this film. Fox plays Michael Sullivan, who kills both for money and thrills. He’s known as the Butcher of Sligo and shows why after Cross thwarts one of his killing attempts. Sullivan makes his retribution personal, by killing the detective’s wife in gruesome fashion. Then it becomes a mano a mano battle between them. Sullivan is one of the best known villains in the Patterson-penned novel series.
Marc Moss wrote the script and he and Cohen have generated a new draft that has some twists different from the novel. QED partners Bill Block and Paul Hanson are producing. WME put the package together.
The reboot of the Alex Cross series took root in late January, with Perry taking the role originated by Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls and Along Came A Spider. Those films were made at Paramount.
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They had to get someone that international audiences will recognize. While Tyler Perry is a good investment for US box office numbers, a lot of people worldwide have not seen any of his movies so far.
I totally agree! Been a Morgan Freeman fan for many yrs. But I believe Tyler Perry will do a fine job. Will be watching for release date!
JUST WANTED TO AGREE totally with you, no long drawn out comments. You said it all!
i agree Freeman is a brilliant actor but should never have played Cross as he was far too old ,now with Perry playing the part they at least have someone who is around the characters age in the book
OMG, I have been saying this for so long. Freeman is a brilliant actor but far to old to play Alex. I really believe that Tyler Perry is perfect.
Best,
Jeanine
I loved the Alex Cross stories. It doesn’t matter a bit to me. I will go to see the movie whom ever is starring.
I own more that 70 of James Patterson’s books, so that’s almost all of his, and I can’t decide which series I like best. But I am really looking forward to this movie. I think Tyler Perry is a great match for Michael Bennett. Although I admire Morgan Fairchild. He was great in Don’t Kiss the Girls and a whole lot more.
I hope they don’t detract from the book too much.
I agree with you Janice. I too hope they don’t change to much of the story line..if you are true fan, we want things by book..don’t forget the Cross family….
the actor’s name is morgan freeman. morgan fairchild is a white female actress .
I think you are a little confused with the cast.
The name is Morgan Freeman, not Fairchild….
I just wanted to make you aware that Morgan Freeman played the part of Alex Cross, Morgan Fairchild is a woman.
Get the facts right. #1. Tyler Perry will be playing Alex Cross, not Michael Bennett. #2. The name is Morgan Freeman, not Fairchild. #3. It Kiss The Girls, not Don’t Kiss The Girls.
I also agree. Don’t sway from the book too much. It will ruin it for us avid fans. Can’t wait to see Tyler Perry.
Hoping to get some of the Michael Bennett serious on film. They are also fantastic!!!
Janice, I am sure you just made a mistake but now you will never gorget who fairchild is.
alex cross is old
I think it be a good movie i just think it should be played by someone else because tyler parry seems too young to play as alex cross he could be better as sampson he does have a good build for him. They need a more slender actor like denzel or will smith. other then that i think it be an awsome movie. I think James Patterson’s alex cross books are realy cool I have read almost all of them. I espesialy like the kiss the girl and along came a spider.
I ALSO WANT TO AGREE.I THINK PERRY WILL BE GOOD ,IF ALEX IS BEING PORTRAYED AS A MIDDLED AGED MAN BUT IF HE GONNA BE OLDER LIKE IN HIS FIFTIES THEN DENZEL WOULLD BE A GREAT PICK I HAVE THE WHOLE ALEX CROOS BOOK SERIES EXCEPT FOR ABOUT TWO BOOKS THE OTHER TWO MOVIES WERE GOOD SO HOPEFULLY THIS ONE WILL BE ALSO
You’re making my ears hurt. Unstick your caps lock key.
Middle age? Why is this your ideal age for middle age? I think Denzel is a better choice because perry is too young just as Ben Affleck was too young to play John Ryan.
I totally agree, Tyler Perry is not the right actor for this role. I love his other movies, but I just don’t see him as a seasoned, sympathetic detective, which is how many see Alex Cross. Cross is my favorite mystery detective, and they needed to find someone more like Freeman if he just won’t do the role again.
I don’t think Perry will bring the right persona to this role. Too bad, because I think there is no way to get rid of him now. I hope the movie doesn’t bomb because of him.
if you’re a true Alex Cross fan, you have to admit Morgan Freeman was much too old to play Alex. This guy has young kids and a grandmother!!! Not taking anything away from Freeman,(he’s a great actor)but they didn’t give enough room to bring in kids and Nana
Thank you,thank you. YOU are correct! Perry not right for role.
Enough with Will Smith already!! I was never a fan of Perry’s acting skills. Can’t imagine how he would hold down the role of Cross. I like some of his movies though. I think they’re casting Perry just ’cause of the box office draw. Freeman’s too old and Smith…Smith would actually be good but I’d like to see another black actor get a chance.
Idris Elba would have been a better choice.
dont know who that is but im looking him up on the internet
I think I would have picked Idris Elba as Alex Cross and Tyler Perry as Sampson. Why I they pairing Mathew Fox with Alex? In the books Sampson is his partner and life long friend and is
African American also.
i AGREE WITH YOU, BUT LET’S GIVE Perry a chance he’s a good actor and i think would do okay! Idris Elba would of been my first choice.
Idris Elba would be the perfect Sampson. Perry as Cross? That’s a hard one. How about Terrence Howard?
It doesn’t matter which he plays, as cross & sampson are the same age as they grew up together
I am a die-hard James Patterson fan. I have read all of his books and even those that he endorses. I think Perry will be a perfect Alex Cross because he still doesn’t have grown children and his grandmother is still alive. How many 50 something year old guys still have their grandmothers…In just about all of his books they describe him as being a young Cassius Clay. I also think a good partner for him would be the big guy in the Green Mile…..I can’t wait to see the movie.
I so agree with you Mark, I have always pictured Will Smith in the role of Alex Cross and Tyler Perry would make a great Sampson! However, I am a Tyler Perry fan as well and have no doubt he can pull it off. Anyway, its based on a James Patterson novel…..they can’t really go wrong!!!
I agree. Tyler is too young. Denzel or Will would both be good picks. If he were a little younger, Samuel L. Jackson would be the best Alex Cross ever.
Agree with Mark, my top pick for Alex Cross is Will Smith, who would be perfection, then Denzel, who would be a little small but camera tricks could be used. Tyler Perry is about the right age, but he does seem too young, where Smith seems the right age – and is. Perry is actaully too big, and I agree, he would have been a great Sampson! Plus I will not be able to get Perry out of my head as Madea, which will totally ruin this movie and franchise for me. Whoever cast this should be fired!
What a friggin joke. Perry ! I will wait for the big red box. Perry isnt worth real money.
How rude you are! Tyler Perry is on of the most prolific writers, actor, director and producer, he does it all and does it well!
I’ve always admired Morgan Freeman, but the idea of him having young children and a grandmother still alive is really ridiculous. I believe in the ‘I Alex Cross’ book ‘Nana mama’ was aged somewhere around 90, she kept that her secret!
Perry WILL deliver…and I hope they choose a good Samson..Dennis Haysbert would be great in that role!
perry is worth real money his movies r good just not as alex cross
I know that i going on off the reservation. But I think that “the rock” would be a great Alex Cross. He would be fix the type completely.
ithink ur after my heart, i dont know him about alex cross or not, but id watch anyway just to look at the rock cant wait untill april 29th the rock n vin deasil together in fast five, ahhh my dreams have come true, lol, i do love the rock
I don’t like the choice for Cross. I liked Morgan Freeman. I would have liked to see Denzel or Dennis Haybert picked here.
I agree You hear Tyler Perry you think LOTS OF LAUGHS!!!!
Cross is a serious roll not sure he can pull it off…Now Danzel as always been my Alex Cross as I read and (Can’t remember actor’s name)
But Shaft is his closest friend..
I agree explictly that Dennis Haybert would of been a perfect Alex Cross!
I am a huge James Patterson fan and have read the entire Alex Cross series. I was really excited when I found out a movie was being made and at that time, Idris Elba was to play Alex Cross, which I felt was the perfect match. To my dismay, for some reason Tyler Perry was chosen to play this role. Although I am a Tyler Perry fan and he’s huge right now, I believe that James Patterson and the character he created will not appropriately be portrayed by Perry. He can’t play this character, not at all. I’m really disappointed!
im going to come right out n say it tyler is to in touch wiht his female side to play this part hes good at madia, n drama roles as alexcross i dont c it
I CAN NOT WAIT……!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He does look like he’ll fit the part, but I still want Terrence Howard to play the part.
i dont agree i dont think tyler perry should play alex croos AT ALL. i hate that,i love tyler paerry, i love his movies, if any of ppl really c his movies, i can not c madia playing a cop sorry, i thought he had jamie fox in mind, for me alex is aging in the books, im a morgan freeman fan, n i will always c him as alex cross not tyler perry, ive read a lot of patterson books, ive watched a lot of perrys movies, when hes not madia hes sweet n charming i dont seem him as tough n fighting off crazy serial killers, ill watch the film just to c, but to me no offense tyler in touch wiht his feminine side for a tough cop,thats just me,
How about Boris Kodjoe from the cancelled show Undercovers
Idris Elba as Alex Cross and Boris Kodjoe as Sampson…made in Heaven!
Wait! I thought Idris Elba was playing Alex Cross. I love Tyler and all, but he’s not Alex.
GREAT CAST! Can’t wait for this movie to come out, it’s been too long since the last James Patterson movie. I’ve read all Patterson books thus far.
tyler Perry is too young and too small! I always pictured Alex and Samson to be the size of a couple of football players
I love the books and look forward to the movie … assuming it’s done right. Not like Watchers which was NOTHING like the book. Mr. Perry has allot to live up to, however, when he replaces Morgan Freeman (my fav actor) as Alex Cross.
*a lot
Morgan Freeman however was so inappropriate for the role of Alex Cross!!
Morgan Freeman was too old to play the 30something, fit, Ali type, Cross. I, personally, think he had Will Smith in mind. Perry would be a better Sampson. Perry, however is a step closer than Freeman.
Morgan Freeman is a brilliant actor. Yes he is too old now to play Alex Cross. But he did a phenomenal job playing when he was about 15 yrs younger. The two he did play in were when he was in his 50′s. Cross could have been in his 50′s then. Actually I believe Tyler Perry although a great actor and writer is too young to play Alex Cross. The actor should be at least 50. That’s why I thought maybe Denzel. But it’s not my movie. I can’t wait to see it though. Hope it’s as good as the book.
I am a big Morgan Freeman fan myself and enjoyed him playing Alex Cross. When I heard about the new movie I was thinking that Shemar Moore, Derek Morgan from CBS Criminal Minds would be a perfect choice to continue the role. I agree that Tyler Perry would be a better Sampson then Alex Cross, but I guess when I see the movie I can see if he does a good job.
I still think Tylor Perry is the wrong person foe the part of Alex, Dennis Haysbert or Micheal Jai White are much better fitted to all of Alex’s physical attributes and are both serious, intelligent actors. I just can’t see Perry as Alex Cross.
Denzel is the only one that would be absolutely perfect to play Alex Cross. If you get him, what a hit the movie will be!!
I have all of the Alex cross books and agree that the role should b someone around the age of 50. I can almost visualize Tyler but don’t see him playing a very serious role. This should go to the actor who plays on Criminal Minds. I’m disappointed.
Shemar Moore – I was thinking the same thing
Shemar Moore is nowhere near 50. And he’s too pretty. Reading the books I never thought of Cross as a pretty boy.
id never thought about samar moore if u guys havent of said anything but he would make a good alex cross, n so would morris chestnut
I think that you are so right! Shemar Moore would be perfect … if not Alex …Sampson.
As good as Morgan is he was never Alex Cross. Too old and looks nothing like Cross is meant to.
I think Tyler will be an improvement but he would be better as Sampson. Someone like Denzel Washington would make a good Alex.
I don’t think the films ever do the books justice.
I’d love to know who’s going to be Nana Mama. Definitely one of the best characters.
Sorry, Freeman made the character come alive and real for me, even if the “age” may not have been quite right. Hollywood can fix that part.
I have read all of the Alex Cross books. As I was reading the first few Morgan Freeman is who I thought of as Alex. This was actually before the two movies were made! Perry is a good actor but I think of Alex as having a lived-in face. Perry does not fit this type, but he would have been great.
To finish my comment…Perry would have been great as Sampson.
i quite agree with you bout morgan freeman to old if anyone read the books with alex cross in it you get the idea he is alot younger im a great fan of james patterson and like you the films dont do justice
Film adaptations never do the originals justice because the producers have to find a way to attract fans that haven’t read the book or that wouldn’t normally go for the story or that would never even pick up a novel. They’re under pressure to change it to please everyone, not just fans of the novels. Unfortunately.
alex cross is not getting any younger in the books
ive never got the idea alex cross was a young man he has kids, which to me made him older hafe theyu ever even said his age
I totally agree, I love Morgan Freeman, but I had pictured a Densil Washington type actor for Alex Cross… The new actor looks much more as I had imagined! Can’t wait for the film to come out!
Morgan Freeman is a wonderful actor, but I never thought that he portrayed Alex Cross as described in his books. He was too old to begin with.
As an avid Alex Cross fan, I thought for the first 2 movies that Morgan Freeman was great. But I would like to see Denzel try the role on for size this time. It still might not be a good fit but we’ll have to wait and see. Tyler Perry is a whopping mistake. I don’t think I would even watch on video. Alex Cross is nothing like Tyler Perry. Good luck.
Plesae! Someone must have though that Tyler Perry was a good choice for the part. Or other wise he wouldn’t have gotten the part for what reason or what you can never please everybody.So back up and give the man some air an let him show everybody what he is made of.
Morgan Freeman was never right for Alex Cross..Alex is strong, handsome with a family..Denzel Washington would be my pick…I could never get over the fact that Morgan Freeman played Alex..could never wrap my mind around him playing Alex..
I agree, Morgan Freeman is not the right person to play Alex Cross. I think Tyler Perry will be a good pick and easier on the eyes. Don’t get me wrong Morgan Freeman is a great actor, but not Alex Cross material.
I completely agree! Yes, Morgan Freeman is a good actor, but reading the books I pictured a Denzel Washington look to Alex Cross. I love Tyler Perry and I cannot wait to see how this movie turns out! Hopefully he plays a better Cross than Freeman did!
I definitely second the motion, would really like to se Mr. Washington in the role of Alex Cross, my fav detective so far…looking forward to an other movie based on my alltime favorite author, Mr. Patterson…always looking forward to the next book!Maria from Ottawa, Canada.
I strongly agree that Denzel Washington would be a great fit for Alex Cross. I cannot see any one else in that role.
I am a huge Shemar Moore fan but, yes, he is too handsome and young for the part.
Alex did a great job!!!!
However its time for a new start. Perry is not Alex to me, but I think Shemar Moore would be absolutely perfect for the job. Make Tyler Perry Sampson
I totally agree. Tyler Perry should be Sampson NOT Alex Cross. Shemar or Denzel would be perfect. Its a shame the4y have to mess with the description and image we have of Alex.
I’ve always pictured Denzel as Alex Cross from the moment I read my first Alex Cross book. Love Morgan Freeman but just isn’t Alex. Can’t see Tyler Perry in the role either but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
i agree, whenever i read an alex cross novel i always have denzel washington in mind… perfect choice!!
Well I guess you must have a crush on Denzel, cause he is too cocky and smug, Cross needs to be more seasoned and believable. He is a driven, weary type character.
isnt denzel in his fifties
Quite agree with you, should’ve been Denzel back in the day that’s who i have in my minds eye when reading the books.
Will Smith now, that would be my choice
i agree u guys realize denzel isnt young anymore either plus his movies dont stay on box office that long anymore,
Tyler Perry’s career is probably ready for a new and exciting direction, no?
Not this direction, he hasn’t got a chance of making this work. He’s a female brand in a male branded film.
Stupid move which will not result on Patterson books being viable film faves. James Patterson will once again be relegated to Lifetime movies.
I think not!
thank u someone agrees wiht me hes very female like omg u ppl cant c that
YES!!!! But I will always love Madea!!!
I won’t. Tyler Perry is not Alex Cross, never will be. Don’t plan on seeing the movie. Terribly upset.
If Perry is involved then it will SUCK and SUCK big time. Everything he produces is complete crap.
The question is: What role will he give to his favorite muse, “actress” Janet Jackson?
Words Fail.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU…. REALLY BAD CHOICE THO HAVE HIM AS ALEX CROSS….
I can just say that Tyler Perry is not Alex Cross material. Morgan Freeman has my vote, or Denzel Washington. James Patterson is one of my favorite writers and I hate to see his great work ruined by poor judgement of some producers.
My choice for Alex Cross would be Will Smith. He is such a good actor and I think he would really fit the role….Also, the big guy from The Green Mile, can’t think of his name, would be a great partner.
Yes, the actor from the Green Mile. Michael Clark Duncan. I agree he would be a good choice..I think he would do a great job !!
Blaire Underwood would have been perfect!
Note to Hollywood: there is more to storytelling than “bad guys rapes/kills/kidnaps the good guy’s wife/daughter/fiance.” It gets boring and tends to have a misogynistic undertone as we’re forced to watching women barely fleshed-out enough to even be considered actual characters undergo all kinds of horrors and brutalization for the purpose of serving as a neat plot device.
Yes, revenge is a timeless theme but it is one of MANY themes that can drive a story. It is not the ONLY one. For some reason it is all we’re seeing now. Probably still the stranglehold “Taken” has over the development community. Raising a glass for it to stop sometime soon…
Raising a glass with you.
Raising my glass too. Tired of men complaining when even ONE male character is negative in a movie, yet we as women have to endure being undervalued and used as pawns constantly. We won’t even get into the way women are portrayed in comedies. Either way, it’s time to see meatier less intelligence-insulting roles for women.
And a third raised glass. You perfectly summed up my complete boredom with that storyline. At least “The Brave One,” despite its flaws, reversed the usual revenge story.
Frankly as much as i love the series, seeing Tyler Perry in a role so suited for Morgan Freeman is a huge disappointment…how can i say this, he is not strong enough as a male lead in a drama…his films work well because he writes them so he knows himself..but this..i think it takes an actor of much greater depth..shame…why is it that Hollywood compromises and thinks wow he’s a big draw…lets make ‘the character’ suit him..instead of as it should be..shame with so many actors of color more prepared.
Thank you for presenting a clear and intelligent argument for why you don’t see Tyler Perry in this role rather then using the opportunity to undermine what he had managed to do and make it about him personally. I agree it’s a stretch to see him in this role and I hope he digs deep and pulls it off as I’d rather see him succeed and produce a good movie, then fail just so I be among those pointing the “I told you so” finger. The decision has been made, so hate it or love it, he’s starring in the movie. He has a legacy to uphold so let’s just hope he can manage to do it.
I finally found a comment that speaks my heart. Being a die hard true “Patterstonian” Alex Cross series is my family in my literature world. He’s my brother, my man, my friend. His family and his friends are my own.I sometimes picture “Alex” as Cassius Clay himself, a strong fine black man,smart, articulate,and loving and will put the hurt on whatever adversary he’s up against. I wouldn’t have thought Mr.Perry but I’m not the one producing the movie,I’m keeping my mind and heart open for him. Good acting will make you forget about who’s playin Alex and (is that really Tyler Perry)cos he’s a very smart man also,but Sampson’s character? Somebody need to step away from the drugs. Who’ll play Nana Mamma Mary Tyler Moore? Just KIDDING(smile) I like her,just not for mamma!
Seriously! Alex Cross is young and fit in the books. Morgan Freeman was so not Alex Cross!!
Morgan Freeman did a phenominal job as Alex Cross.
As much as I love Morgan Freeman as an actor(he is truly amazing) he is not Alex Cross. Anyone who has ever read a James Patterson book featuring Cross knows that Cross is a young good looking man. As I said, I love Morgan Freeman, but he neither young or good looking and does not at all match up with the character physically. It’s hard for me to even watch a movie when such a poor casting job is done. I’m assuming Denzel wouldn’t take the role because everyone knows he would be the ideal Alex Cross. I think Tyler Perry will do a great job. He’s a really talented actor/director/writer and will lend great insight into the character. I’m excited to see how the movie will play out.
I was so thrilled when I heard Tyler Perry was going to play Alex Cross. Alex Cross is my favorite read and I cant think of anyone I would rather watch play him. Tyler will be terrific!
I am very excited about Tyler Perry having the opportunity to play such a great part. I am a huge James Patterson/Alex Cross fan and have read all of the books. People just give Tyler a chance and he will prove to you he is capable of playing a serious role. Don’t be so judgmental!
I think we need to give Tyler Perry a chance, but do remember seeing someone else they were considering for the Alex Cross part though,what happened to him? As much as I love Morgan Freeman as an actor, does not fit the character anymore. I love the Alex Cross series, and can’t wait to see it.
I thought I had read some where that Idris Elba was being considered for the role of Alex Cross. That seems so much more believable than Tyler Perry. TP better fits my idea of old partner John Sampson. Now Idris Elba – handsome, very romantic and so tough – my, my so much more reasonable to me.
Idris Elba was a wonderful choice. He is absolutely believably Alex Cross!!!! Even Mr. Patterson had given the greenlight of Idris. Then next thing you know…it’s Tyler Perry. BIG MISTAKE. It’s all about the money.
I have nothing against Mr. Perry personally. I enjoyed his plays/movies early in his career, but not now. They are all the same. NOT HAPPY
i have always pictured Denzel Washington as Alex Cross-nothing against Morgan Freeman, i was just late to the books and it made sense to me. not too fond of Perry so probably won’t spend good money to see the movie on the big screen. and i hope they don’t find a role for Janet Jackson.
I absolutely LOVE Morgan Freeman but when reading the books and they were describing him as this young stud, I had a difficult time picturing him as Dr. Cross. However, I believe the book mentioned Alex as looking similar to Muhammad Ali which put the visual of Will Smith in my head. Too bad Will wasn’t an option for the movie…I see him better as the handsome Dr. Cross than I do Madea.
yoy ! yuck! Tyler Perry. really???? a better fit I’m sure, could be found!
The character of Michael Sullivan and the plot mentioned in the article are from the novel Cross, not I, Alex Cross. Are the writers planning on merging the plots from the two (they’re nothing alike). (Additional note: At one point last August you reported that Idris Elba was cast as Alex Cross in a film adaptation of Cross. Are the two projects being merged somehow?)
The plot was cooked up independent of all the novels. The basic premise & most of the characters are from “Cross”.
Lance, Idris Elba was going to play the role until Lionsgate decided to get a someone with a bigger name and far less talent.
If anyone has seen Luther, the BBC show starring Elba as a police detective they would see right away that he would be able to nail the part of Cross perfectly. Yes, he’s a Brit but I’ve seen him with an American accent and he would have been great.
I was hoping Idris Elba would have taken this role. He did a good job in Obsessed. Could have been a breakout role. Perry is ok, just doesn’t seem to be the right fit for this. Time will tell….
Woahh! I was assuming it was a book I hadn’t read before. What are these people doing!!
I thought that’s the book that Sullivan was in. Thanks for the update.
Thank you! It was really bugging me as I was reading, too, that they are calling it I, Alex Cross but were talking about a “villain” from Cross. I thought I, Alex Cross would make a good movie as is. Also, I know it’s been a while since I read the book, but who is Tommy Kane? Are they creating this character to replace Sampson? And if so, why? I know when they make a movie from a book they take certain liberties with the storyline, but I HATE it when they change some things that I consider to be more important, especially to change or remove a character like Sampson who is in every book and is a big part of Alex’s life.
Side note, I’m neutral about Tyler Perry being cast, but as much as I love Morgan Freeman, agree that he wasn’t right for the role. Alex is supposed to be in his mid- to late 40s.
To change Cross’s partner from John Sampson to Tommy Kane is compromising the integrity of the whole history of the Alex Cross character. It is not the same. I don’t buy Perry as Cross. I won’t see the film. As a fan of all the Cross books and as someone who hoped, like many, that the Cross character would once again make it to film….I am very disappointed.
And his partner’s name is Sampson……..not what they have listed in this article. What’s going on here???
So, they’re basing the movie on one book (Cross) but using the title of another book (I, Alex Cross)? WHY?! I’m still pissed about Tyler Perry taking over the role. What happened to Idris Elba? He would’ve been so much better. Sigh.
I totally agree that Idris Elba would be perfect for the role of Alex Cross. I’ve read every Cross book and Tyler Perry is no Alex Cross. I don’t even think I’ll go see the movie if he plays the role.
Well, with the strength of Cohen’s directing cred (Fast & Furious 1, xXx, and The Mummy 3) how long is it before he gets the boot and Perry takes the reigns? This whole thing seems a bit tired as none of the above the line are bona fide stars so the book better be a draw. Maybe they can get Williams or Zimmer to do the score…
Well, Cohen’s films have grossed what, over a billion dollars and spawned a bunch of sequels; doubtful Perry is ready to step into those shoes. I’m kind of excited to see Perry’s departure into this more physical acting role though.
Not likely Perry is up to taking the reigns from Cohen as his films have grossed over a billion dollars and spawned sequels. Am very interested however in seeing Perry act in this more physical role.
I read the book and wasn’t that impressed… Not terrible, but not film worthy… I understood it was ghost-written too?
Wasn’t ghost written. James Patterson writes all his books, some with a co author
just can’t get over a chubby-faced neutro-sexual perry playing alex cross.
I’m Glad Idris Elba isn’t involved with this because now my fantasy of him throwing the adaptation race rule book out of the window and play Lee Child’s Retired Military Policeman, Jack Reacher.
Ohhh…I like that. I love the Reacher novels.
Didn’t we only think of Jamie Foxx as that so-so comedian from In Living Color and (ugh) the awful sitcom Jamie Foxx Show before he blew our minds as a dramatic film actor? Wasn’t Will Smith just a rapper and sitcom star before blowing our minds as an action film hero — and then as a dramatic film actor later on as well? Point is… just because someone’s good at one type of thing, doesn’t mean they can’t surprise you and aren’t capable of so much more. Tyler Perry’s versatility hasn’t been explored yet. And why should it have been? He’s been successful in what he’s done. But now that he wants to branch out and explore his other capabilities, who are we to say “No” before we’ve had a chance to say “Hell yeah!”.
Right on! Somebody gets it. And “Nobody knows anything.”
While I was going to agree that Will Smith would be better suited for the role of Alex (Denzel is too old now), I do agree with the reasoning behind the success of Jamie Foxx being only a comic breaking into successful dramatic roles. So we should give Perry a chance. Are any of US invested in this project? We have no right to complain or whine!
Thank you.
Your comments are all true……..but……….those actors did not begin their serious acting role as the STAR of a novel series that has a major fan base. I believe he should start out a little smaller and let us see what he’s working with.
I totally agree with you Mars. Finally someone who can see just beyond the character that Tyler has played in the past. Excellent references making your point. I am a James Patterson fan and can’t wait to see how this one turns out.
James Patterson’s Books are the best. Just wish they would do the movie as the book is, don’t really enjoy when they put a different twist on the plot BUT will be seeing it.
Idris Elba is amazing. I really hope the studio comes around and it gives the role back to him!
Tyler Perry has no credibility as a real actor, and is considered an embarrassment to bourgie, educated black people like myself. Anybody can make bank telling dysfunctional black women what they want to hear, look at Steve Harvey. Or dressing like a woman, see Eddie Murphy or even Martin Lawrence for proof. And coming after macho Idris Elba? Good luck.
Hell I even hated Perry’s cameo in Star Trek, and he was on-screen for less than 2 minutes.
(And yes internet nitpickers, I know that Elba starred in a Tyler Perry movie before, but has also been in gritty LEGITIMATE movies and TV like Rocknrolla and The Losers, not to mention The Wire).
Perry is yet another division of the Oprah Industrial Complex that is pro-gay, pro-lesbian, hates and devalues straight black men while promoting black men in dresses, and celebrates and profits from black ghetto dysfunction (see: Precious) and TV minstrel shows (see: Meet The Browns, House of Payne).
I agree with everything you said….
I’m right there with you.
ditto
Wait. TYLER PERRY as Alex Cross??? How does casting make the jump from MORGAN FREEMAN to Tyler Perry????? Ugh. Terrible. The next best casting idea should have been Denzel Washington. Geez. This movie’s box office won’t pay the production cost.
I so agree with Denzel. Alex Cross is so suppose to be very good looking, rugged man family man. Not a baby faced man or a man old enough to be someones grandfather. I do love morgan Freeman but not as Alex. And certainly not Tyler Perry =(
I work in a hugh Movie theater in Ohio. Tyler Perry movies draw “alot” of patrons…however, I don’t think it will be that way as Alex Cross. And, really, “I, Alex Cross” was a great story, great Cross book, but don’t combine two story lines into one! Cross or I, Alex Cross, not both!
Freeman is a little too old.
Oh, hell yes. Denzel. And if not, how about Samuel L. Jackson? Come on…Alex Cross is a boxer, he’s physically fit. Denzel of SLJ. Tyler Perry…boo.
Last time I checked the detective’s name was Alex Cross, not Alex Crossdresser…
Alex Pause?
Wow, Perry as Cross? Really??
What’s next – Perry’s 30-minute sitcom series for Alex Cross on basic cable?
Sorry, but Perry is a lightweight in this genre. Bad casting.
When I saw Tyler Perry’s name, I was disappointed… but then I got to thinking, maybe he’s meant for a more serious, action thriller films. His comedies, except the first Madea, have been nothing short of horrible, but I’m excited to see what he will be able to add to the mix of what seems to be a decent team.
Bourgie, Just because someone is “pro gay, pro lesbian”, doesn’t mean they devalue straight men. If you were secure in your sexuality, you wouldn’t feel threatened.
Me think you doth protest too much.
I still do not understand why Idris Elba was kick off the project.
Idris is better known overseas (THE WIRE and LUTHER are distributed internationally). He’s a better actor.
Read every Alex Cross Novel, just finished one, hope Tyler Perry can fill Morgan Freeman’s shoes, from comedy to drama, hope he can handle it and not ruin this fine character…eagerly awaiting!!
I don’t see why Morgan Freeman cannot resume his role as Alex Cross. He was great and is a gifted actor. Tyler Perry does not have the charisma for the role.
I agree with Julia. I love Morgan Freeman but didn’t think he fit the role of Alex Cross. Tyler Perry?? I think not! Every time I’ve ever read an Alex Cross novel I always pictured Denzel Washington as Cross.