John Singleton Out Of The Running As Helmer For Tupac Biopic

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by Simon Dang
November 16, 2011 11:39 AM
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This long-gestating biopic of rapper Tupac Shakur backed by production shingle Morgan Creek just can't catch a break, can it? After seeing Antoine Fuqua come on board only to leave, return and then seemingly step aside for John Singleton, it looks like negotiations for the latter to officially take over have now fallen apart as well.

The project had previously been optimistically eyeing a late spring/early summer shoot this year, but troubles in finding a leading man eventually got to then-helmer Fuqua, which saw him move onto the Eminem-led boxing film, "Southpaw" -- which is now on the backburner anyway. Singleton was then reportedly set provide some hope for the production, however, Morgan Creek seem to be back at square one on a project which is sans helmer and leading man.

All that's in place now, we guess, is a script by duo Stephen J. Rivele and Chris Wilkinson, who boast a strong resume having co-scripted "Ali," "Nixon" and the upcoming Don Cheadle-backed Miles Davis biopic as well as Clint Eastwood's "A Star Is Born" with Beyonce attached to lead.

A biopic of Tupac is certainly an intriguing prospect considering the conjecture around his death and the legacy of his hip hop career, so why does it seem like there's been a revolving door of helmers for it as of late? Shouldn't a project like this be a magnet for Hollywood talent? Our suggestion: get Anthony Mackie on board to star and attract a helmer from there.

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