As evidenced by his lengthy, diverse career, there is literally nothing Morgan Freeman can't knock out of the park. From sniping bad guys in "Red" to mentoring Batman to waking us weep in "The Shawshank Redemption" to narrating the hell out of everything - Freeman does it all.

Following in his grand footsteps? Tyler Perry, of course.

According to Hollywood Reporter, the writer/director/actor of such films as "Madea Goes to Jail," "Meet the Browns" and "For Colored Girls," will next take on the mantle of the James Patterson-created Alex Cross, the famed psychologist/detective previously portrayed by Freeman in "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider."

The announcement kills off another rumor that had actor Idris Elba starring in a new adaptation - one fans were eagerly looking forward to seeing realized.

Can Tyler Perry pull off a hard-nosed mystery man?

Director Rob Cohen thinks so, but after films like "xXx," "Stealth" and "The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," we're gonna hold our hats to pass judgement.

Other than a cameo in the recent "Star Trek" reboot, Perry has stuck mostly to acting gigs in his own films, his own style. "I, Alex Cross," which Deadline believes is the new film's source material, will certainly be a stretch for the creative powerhouse, and a way for wider audiences to see his potential beyond Madea.

It's going to take a lot to fill Freeman's shoes.. .unless those shoes are size 14 heels with built-in padding, in which, Perry is gold.