Breaking News: Tyler Perry is After Diana Ross for New Film

While doing press rounds to promote his newest film, 'Madea Goes To Jail', which opens Feb. 20, producer-writer-director Tyler Perry discussed how he wanted music legend Diana Ross for an upcoming feature.

Tyler Perry: ... Print This: Tyler Perry is after Diana Ross! I laid off (from approaching her), because I didn't want to be arrested, but I was sending flowers and everything. I just have to get the right cast. She would be a major part of the film, along with Ben Kingsley, Cicely Tyson, and Kimberly Elise, and myself and someone else. I'm no closer to getting it done.

Diana Ross Pictures

Motown recording artist Diana Ross is seen in this circa 1960 publicity photo released to Reuters on January 9, 2009. As the soul empire turns 50 on Monday, its founders are looking back at its brand of music dubbed the "Motown sound" that remains popular today and the record company's role in breaking down racial barriers in America. REUTERS/Motown Records/Handout (UNITED STATES) QUALITY FROM SOURCE. NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

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Diana Ross performs at the 2009 CES - Monster Retailer Awards at the Paris Hotel on January 9, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada..2009 CES - Diana Ross Live At The Monster Retailer Awards.Paris Hotel.Las Vegas, NV United States.January 9, 2009.Photo by Barry Brecheisen/WireImage.com..To license this image (56475164), contact WireImage.com

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OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Nobel Winner Martti Ahtisaari heads to the stage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson are hosting the gala event which features performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

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OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Nobel winner Martti Ahtisaari walks to the stage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Ahtisaari for his efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson hosted the gala event which featured performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

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OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Actor Michael Caine, Nobel winner Martti Ahtisaari and actress Scarlett Johansson stand onstage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Ahtisaari for his efforts to resolve international conflicts. Caine and Johansson hosted the gala event, which featured performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

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OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Actor Michael Caine embraces Nobel Winner Martti Ahtisaar as actress Scarlett Johansson looks on, on stage to present the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson are hosting the gala event which features performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

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Is the script ready?

TP: The script is done. I wrote it in 1995. I have to do a rewrite, and I don't do rewrites.

Do you have a title for the film?

TP: 'A Jazz Man's Blues.'

Are you stalking her?

TP: Yes, Tyler Perry is stalking Diana Ross. I want her in the film. I've been sending flowers. I've been sending people by her. I've been sending e-mails to people who know her. I've talked to the man who walks her dog. I've been trying to locate where she's at. Is she in this part of the country? Is she doing a concert somewhere? Can I get back stage? Tyler Perry is stalking Diana Ross.

Didn't you reach out to her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, when she did your film 'Daddy's Little Girls?'

TP: I had Tracee in the movie, but I'm afraid I will have to go younger. I may have to go and get the baby (actor Evan Ross). If I get him in the film, then she'll come.

Why Diana?

TP: Because we haven't seen her act in a long time, and because of what she brought to 'Lady Sings the Blues.' My film is set around 1947, around that same time. I would love to let people know how powerful an actress she is.

Is the film set in stone with the names you mentioned?

TP: These are the people I want, and until I get them, I won't put the movie on the books.