Lionsgate said Wednesday it has acquired rights to "Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family," the next film by writer-director-actor-producer Tyler Perry.
It will be the 11th title in the studio’s hit Perry franchise.
Perry will reprise his signature role as the straight-shooting Madea in the film, adapted from his new stage play "Madea’s Happy Family," which is 
currently on tour in the U.S.
Lionsgate’s Joe Drake, chief operating officer and motion picture group president, and Mike Paseornek, president of motion picture production, jointly announced the acquisition Wednesday. They also said an April 22, 2011, release is planned for the picture.
"To us, the title of the film couldn’t be more apt. Not only is Tyler a cherished member of the Lionsgate family; his unique brand of storytelling, humor, music and uplift has created a big happy family of moviegoers," Paseornek said in a statement.
"I’m looking forward to bringing back Madea and the gang, and I’m glad to have Lionsgate with me for the journey," Perry said in a statement.
Perry’s 10th film for Lionsgate, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf," starts principal photography June 1 in Atlanta. Perry directs his adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s Obie Award-winning play and produces with Paul Hall. The cast includes Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose and Macy Gray. Lionsgate plans a nationwide release for the film on Jan. 14, 2011.
