S. Samuel
Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy Tell Em has expanded on recently breaking the news of being offered an opportunity to audition for the role of late hip-hop mogul Tupac Shakur in an upcoming biopic.
Soulja Boy said it was ultimately Pac’s mother, Afeni, and her involvement on the film that motivated him to consider the role.
“How that whole thing came about, I was doing the ‘Juice’ mixtape and that got out. I’m with William Morris Agency and they sent me an email, the subject was ‘Tupac,’ so I clicked on it,” Soulja Boy explained in an interview. “They were interested in having me for the role. I told them I was going to let them know. After that, I got this offer for this part for this movie called ‘Officer Down’ so I’ve been here in Connecticut [shooting]. I was on set with this actor Stephen Dorff and he was like, ‘Yeah man, you should do that [play Tupac].’ This is like really my first big movie, Lionsgate Films in theaters where people are going to see me acting. I was kind of hesitant [to audition for the Tupac film] but they told me that Tupac’s mom is on board with the movie. That was one of the things that I was like, ‘Hey, as long as his moms is cool with it I can consider it.'” (The Boom Box)
Around mid-May, Soulja Boy revealed getting an offer to play Pac.
“I got an email from William Morris Agency — that’s my agency that I’m with — they reached out to me to play the part. I’m just still thinking about it right now,” Soulja told Sway. “Even with the whole ‘Juice’ movie, I’m playing a part that Tupac played, but I’m not actually playin’ ‘Pac. When it comes to this, I’m actually gonna be playin’ ‘Pac, so I’m really still just thinkin’ about it. But I’m just honored that they would reach out to me and ask me anyway.” (MTV)
Earlier this year, Cash Money Records’ Bow Wow unwrapped his interest in securing a role in the film.
Rapper/actor Bow Wow is campaigning for a role in the newTupac Shakur biopic. The young star has taken to Twitter.com to beg director Antoine Fuqua for a part in the upcoming film. “I want to play Shock G or be one of the Outlawz in the New 2Pac movie. Mr Antoine Fuqua holla at ya boy… I’m ready.” Fuqua is currently casting the film, and recently revealed he’s on the hunt for talented unknowns to portray Tupac’s ex-girlfriends Jada Pinkett and Kidada Jones. (Ace Showbiz)
The Tupac biopic is reportedly slated to begin filming soon.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in late Spring/early Summer on the biopic “TUPAC,” it was announced today (February 10) James G. Robinson, Co-Chairman/CEO, and Rick Nicita, Co-Chairman/COO, of Morgan Creek Productions. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “Brooklyn’s Finest”), the film will be shot on location in Los Angeles, New York, Georgia and Las Vegas and is currently being cast. (Deadline)
Check out some recent Soulja Boy Tell Em footage down below:
