Tyler Perry is one of the most successful and recognizable names in Hollywood history. This is mostly thanks to the worldwide success of his Madea film and television franchise. Now, as first reported by Deadline, Perry is developing a new series for Showtime that will chronicle the origins of the pop culture icon.
The series, titled Mabel, will serve as an origin story for Mabel “Madea” Earlene Simmons. The character, played by Tyler Perry himself in both films and on-stage in high-grossing plays, is a tough, elderly African-American woman. In Perry’s own words Madea is “exactly the PG version of my mother and my aunt, and I loved having an opportunity to pay homage to them. She would beat the hell out of you but make sure the ambulance got there in time to make sure they could set your arm back.” The character leads the cast of 11 stage plays, 11 films, and one animated feature. The Madea franchise has made $600 million at the domestic box office.
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The upcoming series in the works for Showtime is a drama hailing from Tyler Perry and Tim Palen. The series is reportedly a priority for Showtime with a multiple-script order being given in recent weeks. Mabel will chart the origin story and upbringing of the young woman who grows to become the lovable senior citizen. Additionally, JaNeika James and JaSheika James (Empire) are writing the series and will serve as executive producers as well.
In addition to his work behind-the-scenes a producer, director, and creator, Perry often appears on-screen in high-profile films as well. As an actor, Perry appears in Star Trek, Gone Girl, and Vice. Up next, Perry will appear alongside Angelina Jolie in HBO Max’s Those Who Wish Me Dead and in Netflix’s Don’t Look Up opposite Jennifer Lawerence and Leonardo DiCaprio.
What do you think? Are you excited about a Madea prequel series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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