The impact Tyler Perry has made as a writer/director is difficult to ignore. A creator of original content that has spanned theater, film and TV - the New Orleans native has acquired a devoted fanbase.

Perry has also appeared consistently on-screen in roles he didn’t originate but adds his own unique touch to. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, he stars as Baxter Stockman - an eccentric scientist (clearly inspired by Neil deGrasse Tyson) with carefully-hidden deadly intentions.

Directed by Dave Green (Earth to Echo), the family-friendly flick follows The Turtles as they face off against Baxter and their deadly enemy The Shredder (Brian Tee)  - who have begun creating their own mutants - Bebop (Gary Anthony Williams) and Rocksteady (Stephen Farrelly). Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Stephen Amell, and Laura Linney round out the film’s cast.

In my video interview with Perry, we discussed if it’s difficult for him to conform to someone else’s vision being that he’s often behind the scenes. He also shared how being a fan of the original 2014 reboot contributed to his decision to be a part of the sequel. Perry also spoke about why his critically acclaimed turn in David Fincher’s 2014 mystery Gone Girl led to a shift in the types of roles he’s considered for.

In addition to working on his series The Haves and Have Nots and releasing Boo! A Madea Halloween later this year, Perry will appear in Gerard Barrett’s forthcoming adaptation of the memoir Brain on Fire. The biography/drama stars Chloë Grace Moretz as a young woman descending into madness. The 46-year-old, in what perhaps marks another departure from his previous work, stars as her boss.

Tyler Perry:

• Surrendering to another filmmaker’s vision and having trust in them.
• What he brought to his role that wasn’t on the page.
• The inspiration for his character’s distinct look and mannerisms.
• How Gone Girl led to a shift in how he’s perceived by Hollywood.
• The surprise turn his career has taken recently.