GOOD LOOK FOR TYLER PERRY....ALEX CROSS IS THE MAN....

Tyler Perry has signed on to play the role of Alex Cross -- the crime-solving D.C. detective in James Patterson's seemingly never-ending series of popular novels -- in a new movie called "I, Alex Cross."

The Wrap and other outlets have confirmed the news, which gives Perry a high-profile starring role in a movie that is not a Perry production. Until now, the filmmaker has primarily tackled two major movie parts: Terry, the perfect husband in his "Why Did I Get Married?" movies, and Madea. You know Madea. She hosted a family reunion. And later, she went to jail. (For the record, Perry also appeared briefly in J.J. Abrams's "Star Trek.")

So can Perry pull off Alex Cross, a role previously played onscreen by Morgan Freeman in "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider"? And in a related question, what happened to Idris Elba, who at one time looked all set to take on the investigative role? He even sounded kind of excited about it during an interview over the summer, but apparently the deal must have fallen apart.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON ALEX CROSS-

Cross is an African-American detective and psychologist living and working in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. He works in the homicide division of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD), but eventually becomes a Senior Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). After his stint with the FBI, Alex returns to private psychology practice, but continues to consult for the MPD and the FBI as needed, ultimately rejoining the MPD as a special consultant to the Major Case Squad.

Patterson portrays Dr. Cross as a lonely individual, yet he is a model father and is quite empathetic in dealing with the public. Despite the fact that he is well-educated and makes a decent living, he chooses to continue residing in the Southeast quadrant of D.C. He is very involved in the community, most notably volunteering at St. Anthony's Parish in his neighborhood.