“The reason I am not making this picture is because the people involved aren’t really respectful of the legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur.” – John Singleton
You don’t eff with the Tupac legacy. You just don’t. John Singleton wants to let that be known, and he’s doing it in a daring and compelling way.
The now ex-director for the prolonged Pac biopic — that was put on hold — has decided to sever ties with the production. In a lengthy explanation via Instagram, where all public, open letters go to nowadays, he states that director Carl Franklin will take over the show.
It’s the richness of Tupac’s all around artistry that Singleton desires to preserve in his reel, but it seems as though the crew he was working with acted in opposition. Luckily for “real 2Pac fans,” a movie, that will celebrate Tupac in all aspects, is on the way. “They have no true love for ‘Pac so this movie will not be made with love,” he said. “And that’s why my ass isn’t involved! If Tupac knew what was going on he’d ride on all these fools and take it to the streets…but I won’t do that. I’ll just make my own project.”
Singleton directed the iconic lyricist in the 1993 hit film Poetic Justice, where his passionate side was illuminated by playing the role of Lucky, a thick-skinned, heavy-hearted brother working as a postal clerk but thriving to dive into the world of music with his cousin.
“Tupac was much more than a hip-hop artist; he was a black man guided by his passions. Of most importance was his love of black people and culture…something the people involved in this movie know nothing about…real talk!” Singleton said.
Singleton’s competing film can be predicted to include a tone of passionate rage. And we await.
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