'Training Day' Director Antoine Fuqua's 'Tupac' Biopic Set To Go Into Production This Summer

Training Day/Brooklyn's Finest helmer Antoine Fuqua is set to direct a Tupac Shakur biopic titled Tupac, which will go into production in late Spring/early Summer 2011. The film will be shot on location in Los Angeles, New York, Georgia and Las Vegas and is currently being cast. Here is how Morgan Creek describes the story:

The film chronicles the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip hop artist and actor, as well as his imprisonment and prolific, controversial time at Death Row Records, where he was steeped in the East coast/West coast rap war.

Morgan Creek quotes Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur-Davis as giving her blessing to the film, which will be distributed by Universal Pictures in North America. The screenplay was written by Steve Bagatourian (American Gun), and the writing team of Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson (Nixon, Ali, Moneyball). Read the full press release after the jump.

MORGAN CREEK ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION ON "TUPAC"

Los Angeles, CA February 10, 2011 – Principal photography is scheduled to begin in late Spring/early Summer on the biopic "TUPAC," it was announced today 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.

The film chronicles the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip hop artist and actor, as well as his imprisonment and prolific, controversial time at Death Row Records, where he was steeped in the East coast/West coast rap war.

In her support of the upcoming biopic of her late son, Afeni Shakur-Davis said, "I am confident that Morgan Creek will stay true to the common goal we share of depicting Tupac's life in a way that will allow the world to see the authenticity of his artistry, his hopes, and his life goals."

Commented producer LT Hutton,"I am honored to be part of the process that is bringing his life and legacy to the big screen. I am thankful to Afeni Shakur for giving this project her blessing and to Morgan Creek for giving it the green light."

"TUPAC" will be produced by James G. Robinson, David Robinson and LT Hutton, and executive produced by Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur. The screenplay was written by Steve Bagatourian, Stephen J. Rivele & Christopher Wilkinson. Universal Pictures distributes in North America and co-distributes with Morgan Creek International overseas.

Morgan Creek's next film, "DREAM HOUSE", directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz will be released through Universal Pictures on September 30, 2011.