As you may or may not know, the long awaited Tupac Shakur biopic is set to begin shooting spring 2014, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. But there’s one problem: the leading actor role has yet to be cast.
Yes, you read that right. The shooting date is set, producers and financiers are in tact, but the star of the show is still left to question. But don’t worry, because Hip-Hop Wired is willing to provide some consultation on who should not be selected to play the late, great MC.
This list will work wonders with Madame Noire‘s list of Black actors who would do Shakur’s legacy justice.
After the jump you’ll find a list of leading actors that may not be the best choice for this particular job. No shade, of course.
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Photo: Instagram, YouTube
Fredo Starr
Though the rapper-actor’s energy is incomparable, he’s just too New York to play Pac on screen.
Chadwick Boseman
42 was a great look for the young actor and so would a role as Pac, but reports say he’s already set to play James Brown in another biopic. We doubt if he wants to be pigeon held as the go-to “character” guy.
Nelsan Ellis
Having played Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Butler, we’re not sure if Tupac should be his next role. Sorry.
Wayne Brady
Nope. Just no.
Romany Malco
With a little tweaking, the known funny-man could slightly favor the Death Row rapper. But his comedic stigma could ultimately bite him in the a$$ on screen.
Denzel Washington
Contrary to popular belief, the Academy Award winner can’t play any role. Most, yes, but not all by a long shot. Tupac is one of them, and that would be the same even if it were the early aughts.
Idris Elba
Our women readers may hate us for this, but the British actor doesn’t exude Tupac. His chances would be better if this were a list of Black James Bond candidates.
Taye Diggs
Playing Pac could very well be in The Best Man star’s range as an actor. Maybe. Would people’s interest be piqued if he was cast in the role, though?
Tyrese
Oddly, we feel like the West Coast native’s version of Pac would be eerily similar to what he did as “Jody” in Baby Boy. That could just be me, though.
Anthony Mackie
Not to throw rocks at the throne, but we can’t get jiggy with Mackie playing Pac solely because of his prior performance in Notorious. Yes he’s talented, but he squandered his first chance at playing the legend. And that was only for a brief moment.
