Tyler Perry Is After Diana Ross For New Film

While doing press rounds to promote his newest film, 'Madea Goes To Jail', which opens on February 20, producer-writer-director Tyler Perry discussed how he wanted music industry legend Diana Ross for an upcoming feature.

Tyler Perry: ... Print This: Tyler Perry is after Diana Ross! I laid off (from approaching her) because I didn't want to be arrested, but I was sending flowers and everything. I just have to get the right cast. She would be a major part of the film, along with Ben Kingsley, Cicely Tyson, and Kimberly Elise; and myself and someone else. I'm no closer to getting it done.


Is the script ready?

TP: The script is done. I wrote it in 1995. I have to do a rewrite, and I don't do rewrites.

Do you have a title for the film?

TP: 'A Jazz Man's Blues.'

Are you stalking her?

TP: Yes, Tyler Perry is stalking Diana Ross. I want her in the film. I've been sending flowers. I've been sending people by her. I've been sending emails to people who know her. I've talked to the man who walks her dog. I've been trying to locate where she's at. Is she in this part of the country? Is she doing a concert somewhere? Can I get backstage? Tyler Perry is stalking Diana Ross.

Didn't you reach out to her daughter, Traci Ellis Ross, when she did your film, 'Daddy's Little Girls?'

TP: I had Traci in the movie, but I'm afraid I will have to go younger. I may have to go and get the baby (actor Evan Ross). If I get him in the film, then she'll come.

Why Diana?

TP: Because we haven't seen her act in a long time, and because of what she brought to 'Lady Sings the Blues.' My film is set around 1947, around that same time. I would love to let people know how powerful an actress she is.

Is the film set in stone with the names you mentioned?

TP: These are the people I want and until I get them, I won't put the movie on the books.

LINK: http://www.blackvoices.co...-new-film/

I dig Tyler Perry movies! I dig Diana Ross! So I don't see the problem here!

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Who says there was?

Well, I'm glad he's creating a vehicle for her but he needs to start believing in rewrites or get collaborators.

JackieBlue said:

That's gonna be real hard for him to do, lol.

Timmy84 said:

I remember when he was being interviewed by Oprah and there was something that he said he didn't do or had never seen and I was like Wish I could remember what it was. A writer who doesn't believe in rewrites. Interesting.

JackieBlue said:

And that's why he gets the bad reviews he get. As long as he keeps on making the money he make, he'll never do it, lol.

Timmy84 said:

Yeah, he's got his niche and they keep buying tickets so why mess with a good thing. He's undoubtedly talented but well, I'm gonna stop here.

Tyler Perry's movies and plays are very basically about the same few themes but this sounds like a total departure (and sadly, his sitcoms are cluttered messes with far too many lame characters and subplots). It might be great or totally horrible. We'll have to wait and see.

JackieBlue said:

Someone has had to have talent to pull off what he did, lol. I like how his life story turned out. Now if he could just work with Diana, he won't ever have to do another film.

VinnyM27 said:

That's why I said he had the talent to pull it off be it a bad script or not.

VinnyM27 said:

Timmy84 said:

I really admire him for opening the studio. I think that's a wonderful thing and it's a shame that it took so long but I'm glad it happened. His movies are what they are and I am not his target audience but I wish him well.

VinnyM27 said:

Yep. WFITCOC:Wait for it to come on cable.
[Edited 2/6/09 20:39pm]

And if she says no...

Paris9748430 said:

There go those damn alligator skis... had me all twisted.

JackieBlue said:

She's not using them as skis. They're on leashes.

Like gators on leashes make more fuckin' sense!!!

Paris9748430 said:

I know but for a while... and I'm embarrassed to admit... I thought they were skis! It's a long story. But tell me those leashes don't look like poles!

HEY! ***Hits chalkboard with ruler***

Focus on the on-topic diva with the big black hair.

I'm on the same page as you, Jackie. I find Tyler Perry's films to be one-dimensional, boring and most of all, unrealistic.

Having said that, I believe there is a place for him and TD Jakes in "black film" but the issue I have is that, unlike the whole of Hollywood, we don't have enough variety and balance. Studios see a bit of success with one type of film and run with it.

The whole captain save'em theme, where having a good man is what saves the day, and the women always being played as the bad guy or who are either desperate, poverty ridden, addicted, or frigid. When I think of all the plays (or any "gospel plays")that I have had to sit through, that is always the theme.

But like somebody said before(I think its Mutha) his movies are directed at a certain demographic, and they're the ones who made a name for Tyler I guess.

I would go see it, nice to see a real diva doing something at last if she agrees.

Harlepolis said:

yeah, they love his stuff. Meanwhile I was all There are so many writers, directors who can't get their stuff off the ground once who are fighting right now with studios one in particular comes to mind and it's been going on for years. God forbid if it's not a comedy. They don't know what to do with you but yet we're in for another Madea movie. Oh well. Maybe somewhere this will open the door for someone else.

JackieBlue said:

Who is this "they" y'all speak of? People with a sense of humor?

JackieBlue said:

And "street drama", whateva the hell that means

The LAST 2 movies I saw about "real life" normal black people were Hav Plenty & Love Jones,,,and they were what? 10 years ago?

I have faith in independent black cinema, they're the ONLY ones who bring a breath of fresh air in this age of redundancy.

Harlepolis said:

You dug up Hav Plenty! Yeah that's about 10 years now.

Paris9748430 said:

Please don't get the Beyonce hating zombies up in here.



anyway...

If Tyler get's Diana, i'll be looking foward to the movie. I think his movies are good, if they keep me seated through the whole thing without me thinking about what i'm gonna do next, then it's entertaining enough for me.

TD3 said:

I'll rent it. I've rented all of his movies but only bought a few (learned my lesson with "Meada's Family Reunion" and waited for a deal at Blockbuster or Hollywood and bought them used).

Timmy84 said:

Even if Miss Ross chooses not to do the film: *Please let him get Evan in the movie....PLEASE let him get Evan in the movie!!*