Tupac “2Pac” Shakur was just as known for his acting chops along with his celebrated rap career, and showed range in classic films such as Juice and Poetic Justice. But according to an industry insider, 2Pac was pegged to read for a part in one of Hollywood’s most beloved franchises in George Lucas’ Stars Wars series.
In an interview with Death Row Records chief recording engineer Rick Clifford, it was revealed that Lucas wanted 2Pac to play the role of Jedi Knight Mace Windu, which eventually went to Samuel L. Jackson in the Star Wars trilogy prequels.
“In fact, Pac found out that I worked for Brian Austin Green, who was on [Beverly Hills,] 90210, and he found out I was in some movies,” explained Clifford to the 2Pac-Forum team. “So we always talked about his film career and stuff.”
Clifford continued with, “He [2Pac] was telling me he was supposed to read for George Lucas and them; they wanted him to be a Jedi. Samuel L. [Jackson] got 2Pac’s part.”
Clifford didn’t elaborate much beyond that point, but did share that 2Pac was apparently excited at the opportunity and asked for the engineer’s support in the endeavor.
As Death Row’s chief engineer, Clifford has worked with the aforementioned 2Pac and others in the label’s stable. Clifford has also worked alongside Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, New Edition, The Pharcyde, and many others.
How crazy would it have been to see 2Pac thugging it out as Mace Windu and that lightstaber, though?
Hit the jump to listen to Rick Clifford talk about 2Pac’s Star Wars aims and other points of his career.
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Photo: College Humor
