Lionsgate to distribute 11th Perry film

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 28 (UPI) -- Lionsgate says it has acquired the rights to the next film by U.S. writer, director, actor and producer Tyler Perry.

"Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family" will be the 11th title in the studio's hit Perry franchise. It is set for release April 22, 2011.

Perry will reprise his signature role as the straight-shooting Madea in the film, adapted from his new stage play "Madea's Happy Family," which is currently on tour in the United States.

The announcement was jointly made Wednesday by Joe Drake, Lionsgate's chief operating officer and motion picture group president, and Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate's president of motion picture production.

"No one makes a big-screen entrance like Madea, and we're very excited to welcome her back with 'Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family,'" Paseornek said in a statement. "To us, the title of the film couldn't be more apt. Not only is Tyler a cherished member of the Lionsgate family; his unique brand of storytelling, humor, music and uplift has created a big happy family of moviegoers."

"It's very important to me to make movies that audiences can relate to, and I can't think of a more relatable subject than family," Perry added. "I'm looking forward to bringing back Madea and the gang, and I'm glad to have Lionsgate with me for the journey."