John Singleton To Produce Hip-Hop Angel Drama 'Straight Outta Heaven'
John Singleton has returned to the helm to direct the Tupac Shakur biopic following his departure from the project two years after failing to find the right actor to portray the legendary hip-hop figure. Singleton, who made his mark as a filmmaker with a handful of cult classics including Boyz N The Hood and Poetic Justice, has signed to write, direct and produce the as-yet-untitled feature-length film. Singleton commented on his own commitment to telling Pac's story in a recent article from Rolling Stone:
"Tupac was the guy who I planned to do a lifetime of films with," Singleton says. "His passing deeply affected my life as well as countless people in this world. His life story is as important to my generation."
Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur will serve as executive producer of the film, which will reportedly be focused on Pac's rise to fame and 1996 murder. The news follows a major delay in production prompted by a 2011 legal battle between she and Morgan Creek over creative control. Though John Singleton's return to the project is a hopeful sign, there is still no word yet on who will portray Tupac Shakur.
Spotted at RS.
