The Academy Award-winning director behind 12 Years A Slave is set to direct another stunning film, this time bringing the story of one of hip hop’s most iconic rappers to the big screen.
Steve McQueen has teamed up with Tupac Shakur‘s estate to helm a documentary about the late icon.
In a statement, the director expressed his excitement about the upcoming project and his admiration for Shakur, “I am extremely moved and excited to be exploring the life and times of this legendary artist. I attended NYU film school in 1993 and can remember the unfolding hip-hop world and mine overlapping with Tupac’s through a mutual friend in a small way. Few, if any shined brighter than Tupac Shakur. I look forward to working closely with his family to tell the unvarnished story of this talented man.”
The news comes as another Tupac film prepares to hit the big screen. All Eyez On Me, a biopic about the rapper’s life is set to hit theaters in June with newcomer Demetrius Shipp Jr. playing the late rapper.
“Tupac’s timeless message resonates today as strongly as it did when I first discovered him in 1990, possibly more so,” said Tom Whaley, trustee for Shakur’s estate. “His legacy is unfortunately seen now through the refraction of the headlines, the controversy, and the tragic way his life ended. With this film, we will show the artist and the young man who existed beyond the news. I have an obligation to both Tupac and Afeni Shakur, to make sure this project becomes realized.”
“Together, with the team we have assembled, I am honored to have the opportunity to bring the documentary Tupac started in 1996 to life.”