Sanaa Lathan Says She Finds Role More Challenging

Sanaa Lathan had fun playing Andrea in Tyler Perry's 'The Family That Preys,' so much so that fans will see a new side of the former 'Love and Basketball' star when the flick hits theaters Friday.
 
"You can do and say things and people are like... 'No, she didn't'" says Lathan of her role in 'The Family That Preys.' Starring as Andrea in Perry's latest blockbuster, Lathan steps away from the 'sweet love interest' roles fans have become accustomed to including the role of Robin in "The Best Man" or more recently Beneatha Younger in " A Raisin in the Sun," Lathan instead channels a more cunning, witty and at times scandalous woman.
 
"It was fun. It's fun to play those roles" says Lathan who also appeared on the hit FX series Nip/Tuck last year. "The thing about being an actress is that you're supposed to not judge your character and for me, the approach was to committing to all the things she wanted and going ahead with it. I wasn't thinking in mind that she's a bitch until I saw it."
 
Lathan who joins Robin Givens, Rockmond Dunbar, Taraji P. Henson and Alfre Woodard for the film which tells the story of two families from different walks of life who learn to work together sat down with AOL Blackvoices to talk about the ball she had while filming the movie. "It was somebody I had never played before. For me, I love to play all different types of people and this was definitely different for me; and so I was drawn to that, and the character and working with Tyler. I think what he's doing is phenomenal."
 
Tyler Perry's 'The Family That Preys' Hits Theaters on Friday !
 
In related news, theatergoers who attend the film over the weekend will get a sneak peak at Perry's next flick and return of his alter-ego Madea in "Madea Goes To Jail" which is due next year. The preview will be shown just before "The Family That Preys."