The writer-director has cast nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige in "
I Can Do Bad All by Myself," an adaptation of one of his early plays. Blige joins Taraji P. Henson, recently nominated for an Oscar, in the Lionsgate release, which is due in theaters Sept. 11.
In the film, Blige will play a nightclub manager and singer who is good friends with Henson's character. Madea, Perry's most iconic creation, also will appear in the movie, which is shooting at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.