The long-awaited, much-delayed Tupac biopic is finally happening. A few weeks ago, acclaimed music video creator Benny Boom was named as the film’s newest director and now it appears Morgan Creek Productions is ready to unveil their leading man. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Demetrius Shipp, Jr. According to iMDB, the Tupac biopic actor only has one credit to his filmography in #unlock’d, a made-for-TV movie that was released this past summer. With his skill set unproven to the passes, 2Pac fans will have to rely on the weighty co-signs he has been receiving from a couple of people who actually matter. TMZ reports that the film’s producer L.T. Hutton actually approached Shipp to star in the film, who wound up taking acting classes four times a week, as the role is undoubtedly one that will be magnified to death. Shipp’s father also reportedly worked in the music business and crossed with the late rap martyr. Veteran actor Hill Harper also shared in the enthusiasim from the announcement and captioned collages of Shipp in Tupac character with, “‘A coward dies a 1,000.deaths, a soldier…'” he writes in a photo collage. “Shooting #alleyezonme My brotha from anotha @dshippjraeome throwin’ it down as #Pac!!! #rideordie#meagainsttheworld #brendasgotababy #rosefromconcrete #ifidietonight#tupacmovie.” From the looks of Shipp’s Instagram, Jamal “Gravy” Woolard will be reprising his role as The Notorious B.I.G. carrying on from the 2009 biopic, Notorious, which was a box office success in its own right. Plenty of pictures to be seen of Shipp’s Tupac in the gallery below. Don’t hesitate to give us your thoughts on the casting job as well. — Photos: Instagram, TMZ
