Tyler Perry completely trusted Rob Cohen’s direction in Alex Cross.

The filmmaker depicts Dr. Alex Cross in the action crime mystery based on author James Patterson’s classic character.

Tyler is normally directing pictures himself, but he had no problem letting go of the reins and was committed to catering to Rob’s needs.

“I completely, 100% made a commitment to let go,” Tyler told Collider.

“When I said yes to it, I showed up as, ‘You want talent? You want work for hire?’ That’s exactly what I committed to do, when I walked in. I’m good at giving up control to people who know where they’re going and what they want to do. I can sit in the backseat and ride all the way across the country, if you know where you’re going and you know how to take me there, and Rob was that kind of director.”

Tyler appreciated the opportunity to take a back seat and follow direction. He learned a lot about his own talents as a result.

“What I know about me is that, in order to lead, you also have to know how to follow,” he said.

“With this, I was working with James Patterson, who created this brilliant character, and Rob Cohen, who’s a brilliant director, and I had an opportunity to learn from both of them. So, for me, it was all about surrender and staying out of anything that I would do, and just be the character. It allowed me to just go some places I’ve never gone before, so I’m grateful for that.”

Alex Cross will be released in US theatres this weekend.