Well damn! The casting of Tyler Perry’s Alex Cross movie continues to get interesting. If anything, he’s surrounding himself with some respected talents. But he’s the star, so even with today’s news, the movies success will still weigh heavily on his shoulders.

We already know that, in addition to Perry, the film’s cast also includes Matthew Fox, Edward Burns, and Jean Reno; today brings news that Giancarlo Esposito has also joined Summit Entertainment’s reboot of the Alex Cross franchise ensemble cast, although, at the moment, it’s not clear what character he’ll play.

The short story for I, Alex Cross again goes… Perry’s Cross partners up with Ed Burns’ character to take on a vicious serial killer played by Matthew Fox.

Last we reported on this, Tyler claimed to be dropping body weight and adding muscle mass to his frame, in preparation for the role, with the film scheduled to begin principal photography in Cleveland, this August, for a fall 2012 or early 2013 release date planned.

I’m really wondering if a romance will be worked into the narrative, since the film isn’t following any one specific book in the Cross series. No actress has been cast yet; so far it’s been all dudes. Although, I do know that there’s a supporting role for a female cop said to be in her late 20s/early 30s, described as Caucasian, and with the words, “a beautiful cop.” Pure speculation of course, but, based on the cast sheet I’ve seen, that’s really the only opportunity his character will have at romance in the movie.

That part hasn’t been cast yet, as far as I know.