Tyler PerryAnd I still haven’t seen (nor do I ever plan to see) "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1"…

Per a Variety exclusive, Tyler Perry has joined the cast of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2," the Paramount project, to be produced by Michael Bay,” and directed by David Green.

Perry has signed up to play sociopathic scientist Baxter Stockman, who has appeared in several versions of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" comics, animated TV series, films, and other media. According to the TMNT wiki, in each version, he is depicted as the creator of the Mousers, which are the machines meant to seek out and destroy sewer rats. 

Apparently, he’s not a good guy; but TMNT experts can correct me on that, if that’s incorrect.

And his only live-action appearance was in the 2014 film, in a very brief scene, played by K. Todd Freeman. I assume with Tyler Perry playing him in the next movie, the role will be expanded to fit Perry’s stature. I don’t think he’d do it if it were another brief appearance.

Perry joins Megan Fox and Will Arnett, who will reprise their roles in the sequel, and the newly-cast Stephen Amell as Casey Jones.

Plot details are under wraps at the moment, with production set to start next month.

I wouldn’t imagine that the TMNT would still be a hot commodity for any studio, but clearly I’m very wrong. The last film, released last year, grossed $191 million domestically.