Lionsgate today announced that it has acquired the rights to the next film by writer/director/actor/producer Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family. The film will be the eleventh title in the studio’s hit Perry franchise. Perry will reprise his signature role as the straight-shooting Madea in the film, adapted from his new stage play “Madea’s Happy Family,” which is currently on tour in the U.S. The announcement was jointly made by Joe Drake, Lionsgate Chief Operating Office and Motion Picture Group President, and Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate President of Motion Picture Production.
Lionsgate plans to release Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family on April 22, 2011.
Said Paseornek, “No one makes a big-screen entrance like Madea, and we’re very excited to welcome her back with ‘Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family.’ To us, the title of the film couldn’t be more apt. Not only is Tyler a cherished member of the Lionsgate family; his unique brand of storytelling, humor, music and uplift has created a big happy family of moviegoers.”
Said Perry, “It’s very important to me to make movies that audiences can relate to, and I can’t think of a more relatable subject than family. I’m looking forward to bringing back Madea and the gang, and I’m glad to have Lionsgate with me for the journey.”
Perry’s tenth film for Lionsgate, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf is scheduled to begin principal photography on June 1 in Atlanta. Perry directs his screen adaptation of the Obie Award-winning play by Ntozake Shange, and produces alongside Paul Hall. The film’s cast includes Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose and Macy Gray. It is scheduled for nationwide release on January 14, 2011.
