Don’t “cross” Tyler Perry.

The mastermind behind the “Madea” films debuted his new flick, “Alex Cross,” last night, October 15, 2012, at the ArcLight Hollywood in Hollywood, California. The fast-paced thriller marks Perry’s departure from his previous comedic roles and finds the director playing a no-nonsense detective on the hunt for blood after a horrific murder. It’s a role that Perry recognized would be a challenge right from the beginning.

“I told [writer/producer] James Patterson very early on that if I thought that I couldn’t do it, I would have turned the role down when it was offered to me,” Perry said of accepting the role. “I didn’t want to let him down, the Alex Cross fans down, or let you down. Now, with all that said, I just want you to go to the movies and see it for yourself. ‘Alex Cross’ is a thrill ride from beginning to end. With movies, a lot of times the trailer is better than the movie. Not in this case. ‘Alex Cross’ delivers on so many levels. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait for you to see it!”

A plethora of Perry’s famous friends were in attendance including Cicely Tyson, Kimberly Elise, Terrell Owens, Brian White, Khleo Thomas, Carmen Ejogo and Keke Palmer, who couldn’t stop singing the film’s praises. “Just left the ‘Alex Cross’ premiere,” the actress wrote on Twitter. “Literally had me jumping out of my seat, I love a good thriller! Check it out.”

“Alex Cross” hits theaters on Friday, October 19, 2012.

TAGS: Alex Cross, Brian J. White, Carmen Ejogo, Charlene Amoia, Cicely Tyson, Joyful Drake, Kali Hawk, Keke Palmer, Kimberley Elise, Kimberly Elise, Kleo Thomas, Marisa Quin, Matthew Fox, Michael Jai White, Robbie Jones, Terrell Owens, Tyler Perry