Tyler Perry has been the face of the beloved character Mabel "Madea" Simmons since 1999, bringing the sassy and wise old woman to life in 12 films that have collectively grossed around $660 million worldwide. However, in a candid interview on March 20, 2025, on Good Morning America, Perry admitted he's "sick" of playing the role that has defined much of his career.
While promoting his new film, Duplicity, Perry teased his upcoming Netflix project, Madea's Destination Wedding, which he described as potentially his last outing as the tough matriarch. Despite the immense popularity of Madea, Perry expressed a sense of exhaustion with the character. He joked, "I'm so sick of this old broad," and then comically slipped into the Madea persona, asking, "What is it, damn it, what is it?!"
His long-standing role has not only shaped his career but has also made a significant impact on audiences across the globe. A Madea Homecoming, released in 2022, previously celebrated the franchise's legacy, becoming a huge hit on Netflix.
The upcoming Madea's Destination Wedding promises more escapades as Madea and her family head to The Bahamas for a shotgun wedding. Complications arise when Madea's nephew, Brian, portrayed by Perry himself, and his ex-wife, Debrah, played by Taja V. Simpson, discover that their daughter Tiffany, portrayed by Diamond White, is engaged to a rapper she met on a yacht with the wedding planned for just two weeks later.
Perry remarked about the challenges Madea might face on her journey, humorously noting, "if she can get out of the country, she’s a felon, so..." They’ll know anything can happen when Madea is involved.
Perry's cinematic ventures, particularly with Netflix, have flourished as he has secured a deal that keeps rolling out projects. His latest release, Duplicity, is a thriller featuring Kat Graham, who takes on the role of Marley Wells, a high-powered attorney embroiled in a web of deceit following the murder of her best friend's husband. Duplicity made its debut on Amazon Prime Video on March 20, 2025.
As for Madea, even though some fans might fear it's the end of an era, Perry hinted that the affection audiences hold for the character might sway his decision. After previously considering A Madea Homecoming as the final appearance of Madea, he had ultimately continued the franchise due to overwhelming support. A new announcement confirming Madea's Destination Wedding is expected to air later this year on Netflix.
Meanwhile, Netflix has a slew of anticipated releases slated for spring 2025, including titles that generate excitement across different genres. Among them, Karma, a new crime thriller steeped in moral dilemmas, will premiere on April 4. This highly anticipated show features Park Hae-soo, renowned for his role in Squid Game, and centers around six characters entangled in the inevitable cycle of karma with their fateful choices.
Another noteworthy mention is Black Mirror season 7 set to stream on April 10. The series dives into dystopian stories that intricately reflect on our relationship with technology. With the return of fan-favorite themes, it promises gripping narratives.
Audiences can look forward to another thrilling addition titled Bullet Train Explosion, showcasing a life-or-death situation onboard a speeding train, which viewers can catch from April 23. Just like the classic Speed, this film ramps up the tension with a bomb that’ll detonate if the train drops below a certain speed, escalating the stakes significantly.
Fans of Tom Hardy can anticipate the release of Havoc on April 25, where he portrays a detective navigating the criminal underworld fueled by his own past. Lastly, The Eternaut, drawing comparisons to other massive hits like The Last of Us, unveils a fight for survival against a deadly snowfall threatening humanity, streaming on April 30.
While Perry may be stepping back from one role, Netflix ensures there’s plenty of fresh content to quench viewers' thirst for entertainment. Tyler Perry's legacy as Madea will surely resonate, but a new wave of stories awaits eager audiences this spring.
