‘All Eyez on Me’ Trailer Signals the Return of Pac
The new biopic has already seen its fair share of controversy. Will it do the legend justice?
To say that fans have been anticipating Tupac’s biopic is an understatement. With the success of films like Notorious and Straight Outta Compton, people have been waiting for a story depicting the life of one of hip-hop’s biggest and most controversial stars. The lead actor, Demetrius Shipp, Jr., has spoken a lot about the movie, providing a deeper perspective on Pac’s life. Earlier today, the trailer for the biopic was released – to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Tupac Shakur, who would have turned 45 today.
This movie has been wrought with controversy since the departure of the original film director, John Singleton, who directed both Boyz n the Hood and Poetic Justice. In a post on his Instagram in April 2015, Singleton stated that he left the film because “the people involved aren’t really respectful of the legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur”. He then went on to further denounce All Eyez on Me by stating that he is going to make a better biopic – a film that will focus on the passions and the love Tupac had for Black people and his culture.
Carl Franklin replaced John Singleton as director for the film, but the director was replaced again in early December 2015 by Benny Boom. Boom is a long-time music video director and has directed videos for Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent, Akon, and many other artists. If production for the film did not begin by the end of 2015, the rights to Tupac’s music would have reverted back to his late mother, Afeni Shakur.
Hopefully, this movie will not feel rushed, and can rival the cinematography and storytelling of Straight Outta Compton. Tupac was a philosopher, wise beyond his years, and an inspiration to many, so this movie should reflect his influence.
