(Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

When it was announced that film, television and stage mogul Tyler Perry would portray the title role in the upcoming movie I, Alex Cross, based on the novel by author James Patterson, some fans of the franchise were skeptical of the casting news.

Veteran actor Morgan Freeman last played the Alex Cross character on the big screen ten years ago in the movie Kiss the Girls. And many wondered if Perry, who is best known in film for starring as the character Madea in comedy films, could not only fill Freeman’s thespian shoes but also pull off the lead role in such a demanding psychological dramatic thriller.

But word from movie’s costar actor and director Edward Burns is that Perry not only holds his own in I, Alex Cross, but the For Colored Girls director puts in a stellar, dazzling performance.

Burns exclusively told ComingSoon.net, "There are things that will shock people, mostly though Tyler Perry's performance. The guy is so good in this movie and so powerful that I think people are going to be really shocked. He came and delivered. He's a big dude, a smart guy. He's a very powerful presence both physically and intellectually, so I think people are going to be very surprised."

I, Alex Cross is scheduled to hit theaters next fall.

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