Tyler Cuts Ties

With the news that Tyler Perry’s longtime lucrative  deal with Lionsgate Studios is not being renewed even though there are still several projects in the pipeline that extend well beyond  this Friday’s release of Single Mom Club, the impact of this split won’t be felt for some time. Perry signed a renewal deal with Lionsgate in 2011. Sources claim there could more Madea films for Lionsgate while there are also rumblings this signals the demise of Madea. On his website, Perry has hinted he was tiring of playing her and solicited fan opinions about the character.

The decision to split is allegedly mutual between Lionsgate and Perry’s 34th Street Productions, however, a source close to the situation says it’s based on a litany of matters such as international distribution and marketing funds. Perry’s packing up shop in L.A. and moving the base of operations to his Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios. Word from the curb in the ATL is since he has a great deal of autonomy in the huge exclusive deal with Oprah’s OWN, the two of them may pool resources or partner with a few exclusive(aka filthy rich) anonymous investors to keep the bulk of the profits in the house.

While working on his own movie projects and multiple OWN television shows, Perry has begun to branch out into acting for other filmmakers in such films as Alex Cross and Star Trek. He will soon be seen on screen in “Gone Girl” with Ben Affleck.

According to Box Office Mojo, Tyler Perry films have generated over $695 million worldwide since he signed with Lionsgate in 2005. This figure excludes revenue from television, stage plays and DVD sales. Mr. Perry may soon become a member of the “Billionaires Club” with his girl Oprah.