One thing about Tyler Perry's films is you can count on at least four or more actresses in prominent roles and that's a big thing considering most films usually have one or two at the most.
Judge Mablean Ephriam, Salli Richardson, and Viola Davis have been added to Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail. Already cast in the film are Tyler Perry, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Derek Luke and David and Tamela Mann.
The Lionsgate comedy centers on Madea (Perry), whose penchant for trouble-making lands her behind bars. She comes to the rescue of Candy (Pulliam), a fellow inmate preyed upon by a large woman named Big Sal. Luke is on track to play Joshua, an attorney who has a past with Candy.
Viola plays Ellen, a social worker who helps Keisha's character, Candy. Richardson plays the DA of Atlanta and a friend of Derek Lukes'character. Judge Mablean, who made a short appearance in Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman as well as in 'Madea's Family Reunion', will be reprising her role as a judge in the film.
Richardson was recently seen opposite Will Smith in 'I Am Legend' and will soon star opposite Rockmond Dunbar in 'Pastor Brown'. Davis just completed the TV miniseries 'The Andromeda Strain' and will later be seen on the big screen opposite Meryl Streep in 'Doubt' as well in George C. Wolfe's 'Nights in Rodanthe' with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Judge Mablean s the former judge on the courtroom series, Divorce Court.
Filming is set to begin in mid-May in Atlanta, with a tentative early 2009 release planned.
1. Good looking out, Tyler. I am so happy to see the professional black women playing in the Tyler Perry movie. I am especially excited about the way Tyler Perry is making movies without the backing of CBS, FOX and all those that said he couldn't make it.
Go Tyler Perry!
jane at 6:22PM on May 6th 2008