Despite rumors to the contrary, the Tupac Shakur movie is not dead, but it is on hold. John Singleton, who was set to direct, said that he was putting the film on hold. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution quotes Singleton as saying about the Tupac film,
“You just want to get it right. I think the picture is not going to be good unless it’s offensive to some people…When I’m making my movies, John Singleton movies, it’s really just my voice. So I can’t be listening to all the other suggestions of all these other people and s***.”
Yesterday, it was confirmed that Carl Franklin will be replacing Singleton as director of the movie of Shakur’s life story. Singleton himself confirmed that he left the project with a post on Instagram that says, in part,
“Real talk! The reason I am not making this picture is because the people involved aren’t really respectful of the legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur. I won’t say much if you want you can read my articles in Hollywood Reporter on authenticity in Black Storytelling… To Pac’s real fans just know I am still planning a movie on Tupac… It doesn’t matter what they do mines will be better…”
This isn’t the first time Tupac’s film has lost a director. The movie has been in and out of production since 2011 when Antoine Fuqua, who was slated to direct, left the project.
Tupac’s fans have been waiting a long time for this movie, which was scheduled to go into production in Atlanta this June. With the change in directors, there is likely to be a further delay. IndieWire reports that based on some of Singleton’s comments, there may be a legal battle brewing over the rights to the Tupac film. Last time Amaru Entertainment and Morgan Creek tangled in court, the film was delayed for two years.
A few fans have weighed in on the issue on Twitter.
Noo! Singleton would have been better! “Carl Franklin to Direct ‘Tupac’ Movie, Replacing John Singleton” http://t.co/xKgYBCrhjG via@Variety
— Shanae Cole (@idance_365) April 8, 2015
The only reason I wanted to see the Tupac biopic is because John Singleton was the director… If he’s not on board, I don’t want it!
— King Kunta. (@FixItYeezus_) April 8, 2015
It remains to be seen when, or if, Tupac’s life story, which might include juicy tidbits about who Shakur was involved with, will make it to the big screen. In the mean time, fans will have to satisfy themselves with Shakur’s writing , which are being displayed at the Grammy Museum, or his films and music.
Who do you think should direct the Tupac Shakur biopic?
[Image: Medical Bag]