Tyler Perry: 'Red Tails' Wonderful but All-Black Casts "Becoming Extinct"

Responding to filmaker George Lucas' recent comments on the lack of support that he received during the making of 'Red Tails,' southwest Atlanta Tyler Perry Studios' founder has penned an official statement on his website, according to a report in the Huffington Post's Black Voices.

Posted under his "My Messages" page, Perry begins his statement by saying: "Unfortunately, movies starring an all African American cast are on the verge of becoming extinct. THAT’S RIGHT, EXTINCT!"

He goes on to say that "George decided to take a huge risk by entirely funding the movie and releasing it himself," he added. "What a guy! For him to believe so strongly in this story is amazing.

Perry ends by encouraging people from all ethnic backgrounds to see the film and learn more about the history of segregated America.

"I think we should pull together and get behind this movie. I really do! Not just African Americans, but all of us. I have seen the movie and screened it here in Atlanta. I loved it and I think you will too."

Red Tails opens today and is showing in the Cascade Patch's Movies ATL, 3760 Princeton Lake Parkway in the Camp Creek Marketplace district, at 11:50 a.m. and 2:45, 3:10, 6:45, 7:15, 9:40 and 10:10 p.m.