Posted by | Ray Cornelius
The life and times of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur will be coming to the big screen after all. The long-awaited biopic will begin filming in Atlanta in February 2014 and is said to be directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur.
According to Deadline, the film is being co-financed by Emmett/Furla/Oasis Film and Morgan Creek Productions and has a $45 million dollar budget. Producers will also have full rights to explore Tupac’s musical catalog which includes his classic albums, 2Pacalypse Now, Me Against the World, All Eyez on Me and Thug Life: Volume 1.
This is second project centered on the fallen rap star. Last year, we reported that Atlanta director, Kenny Leon was working on a Broadway musical called, Holla If Ya Hear Me. According to Leon, the show is not autobiographical but is inspired by Tupac’s music.
“I’ve been in communication with Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother. And she has always wanted something on a Broadway stage that would do justice to his artistry and music. So, I found a way to deliver his music. This is not an autobiographical. It’s not about Tupac’s life. It’s not about East Coast versus West Coast. It’s just a musical that’s been inspired by his music.”
No word yet on who might play the coveted role in the film version. Apparently they haven’t decided on whether Tupac will be played by an established young actor or rapper or a fresh new face. However, acclaimed actor Anthony Mackie has played Tupac in an Off-Off Broadway production of Up Against the Wind and in the 2009 film Notorious. They may want to consider him or Fruitvale Station’s Michael B. Jordan.
RC will keep you posted on both projects as they continue to develop.
Who would you cast in the role of Tupac Shakur?
Photo Credit: thedwarf.com.au
