With production set to begin later this month in New York, Paramount's action sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 has brought on actor Tyler Perry to play Baxter Stockman. In the original comic books, Baxter Stockman was a scientist who created robots known as the Mousers, which were designed to kill sewer rats. The villainous Shredder eventually learned about these devices, and hired Stockman to modify his robots to eliminate the Turtles' mentor Splinter.

It isn't known how Stockman will be used in this sequel, especially since it hasn't been confirmed if Shredder will be back yet. The character went through many different transformations in the comic book and cartoon. At one point, he became a major villain who had used technology from DARPA to place his brain in a robot body, making him a cyborg. At another point, he became cross-mutated with a common house fly, and turned into a giant, humanoid fly-creature. The character actually appeared as one of Eric Sacks' scientists in last year's franchise reboot. At that time, he was played by K. Todd Freeman.

Megan Fox and Will Arnett are reprising their roles as April O'Neil and Vern Fenwick from last year's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with Stephen Amell recently joining the cast to play fan favorite character Casey Jones. Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio is also playing herself, and new love interest of Vern Fenwick. The model and Will Arnett were spotted in Los Angeles last month, shooting scenes for the sequel during an L.A. Clippers game against the New York Knicks. It isn't known what other characters have yet to be cast, but it has already been confirmed that the villainous Bebop and Rocksteady will be appearing in the sequel.

Dave Green, who made his feature directorial debut last year with Earth to Echo, is directing from a script by Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec. Michael Bay is returning to produce alongside his Platinum Dunes partners Andrew Form and Bradley Fuller. Tyler Perry most recently starred in Gone Girl, along with starring in, directing and producing Tyler Perry's Madea's Tough Love earlier this year.