The movie based on the influential rap group is scheduled for release next year.
The story of influential rap group N.W.A. is getting the Hollywood treatment, with biopic Straight Outta Compton about to begin production. With the main cast in place, this week the movie found itself in the headlines again after an offensively worded casting call was sent out looking for female extras. But a biopic about the godfather’s of gangster rap was alway going to incur some controversy and this probably won't be the last time the film makes headlines. While we’re still a year away from seeing Straight Outta Compton on our screens, here’s everything we know so far about the N.W.A. biopic.
The story of the legendary rap group is being made into a movie
The Cast
O’Shea Jackson Jr, the son of Ice Cube will be playing his father in the movie. Jackson is also an aspiring rapper who performs under the name OMG. Since details of the movie were announced Jackson’s father had been publicly lobbying for his son to get the part saying in January "I've been trying to get that pushed along. Just wanna make sure that he's the best man for the job.” While the late Easy-E’s son, Lil Easy-E had also wanted to play his father the role eventually went to newcomer Jason Mitchell. Mitchell is a New Orleans-based actor who impressed producers during his screen test, his previous credits include small parts in Contraband alongside Mark Wahlberg and indie flick Broken City. Corey Hawkins who has appeared in Iron Man 3 and Non Stop will be starring as Dr Dre, while the roles of MC Ren and DJ Yella have not yet been cast.
More: What Was Universal Thinking with 'Straight Outta Compton' Casting Call?
The Crew
Directing will be F. Gary Gray, who worked with Ice Cube on the 1995 movie Friday, and was behind the camera for 2005’s Law Abiding Citizen, starring Gerard butler and Jamie Foxx. Ride Along’s Will Packer will serve as executive producer alongside former N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr Dre as well as Easy E’s widow Tomica Wright.
More: NWA Biopic Straight Outta Compton Gets a Release Date
The Plot
The official synopsis for the film reads: "In the mid-1980s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation. Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., Straight Outta Compton tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionised music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.”
Next, what was the controversial casting call sent out this week?
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