While we definitely have given Tyler Perry his fair share of grief around here, the writer/director/actor/producer is certainly ready move on from the hugely successful niche he’s carved out and try something with broader appeal, so we commend him for that. He’s set to topline “I, Alex Cross” a thriller that has already attracted Matthew Fox and Ed Burns to the cast and now another a towering legend of French cinema is on the way too.
Variety reports that Jean Reno — perhaps best known as “The Professional” — has joined “I, Alex Cross.” Based on the book by James Patterson, Perry will take on the role of the crime busting psychologist Dr. Alex Cross. Fox, has the role of Michael Sullivan aka the Butcher of Sligo, a brutal assassin who kills for kicks and cash. After Cross botches one of his assignments, the Butcher kills Cross’ wife and then it’s game on between the two. Burns will play Tommy Kane, Cross’ partner. As for Reno, there’s no word yet on who he’ll be playing.
Rob Cohen (”xXx,” “The Fast And The Furious”) is lined up to helm and he’s been working off a script by Kerry Williamson and Mark Moss that will apparently take some liberties with the source material in terms of the twists and turns of the story. So if you’ve read the book, don’t think you’ve seen the movie. Not exactly the greatest behind-the-camera talent but we’re hoping the cast can turn this into a pulpy little number.
Filming is set to begin in August for a late 2012 or early 2013 release.