Tyler Perry's new direction

Tyler Perry fights his way into theaters.

The mostly comedic actor is now channeling his inner action star in the new film "Alex Cross".

At the movie's red carpet premiere in Los Angeles, Perry said he was confident about taking the role.

SOUNDBITE: Tyler Perry, actor, saying (English):

"Once I read the script I realized that if I can't do this than I wouldn't even attempt to do it. But, what was great is that I could do it and this guy, director Rob Cohen believed in me and everybody believed in me and it all worked out well."

The film, based on a James Patterson novel, follows Perry as a young homicide detective chasing after a serial killer.

Patterson had little doubts over Perry's ability to carry the role, even though he would be following in the footsteps of Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, who played the character in earlier films.

SOUNDBITE: James Patterson, author, saying (English):

"I knew when I met him that he would be able to do this," said Patterson. "He is the strongest willed person that I have ever met and I could just tell. The minute that you saw dailies, you just knew."

"Alex Cross" also stars Edward Burns and Cicely Tyson.

The film opens on October 19th.