Tyler Perry to play James Patterson detective Alex Cross

Tyler Perry is hanging up the dress for a minute and playing a more serious role. This could be the look that Tyler is looking for to enhance his career growth.

"Madea" star Tyler Perry is ditching the drag and the dress for his next project. The hit filmmaker is set to play detective-psychologist Alex Cross in a film adaptation of James Patterson's novel "I, Alex Cross."

According to Deadline.com, the casting could prove controversial, as Perry's projects — such as 2010's "For Colored Girls…" — usually draw a largely female audience while Patterson's mysteries appeal mostly to men.

"I, Alex Cross" — Patterson's 16th novel —follows Cross as he attempts to track down barbaric serial killer Zeus. The project was originally conceived for actor Idris Elba before Perry, 41, landed the lead.

Morgan Freeman previously portrayed Cross in the films "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider."

What do you think of Perry being cast as Alex Cross?

via Tyler Perry to play James Patterson detective Alex Cross – The Marquee Blog - CNN.com Blogs.

With Morgan Freeman having the role for two films, it will be something to ee how Tyler will be able to handle this role.