Casting For N.W.A Bio Pic Has Begun

In his announcement, Gray narrowed the casting call to guys aged between 18 to 25.

Moviemaker F. Gary Gray has begun his casting search for a new biopic about groundbreaking gangsta rap group N.W.A. – and he is inviting all hip–hops fans and wannabe actors to compete for the leading roles. Announcing an open casting call via Twitter.com, the director of The Italian Job is on the look out for a young Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy–E and MC Ren. Gray wants anyone between the ages of 18 and 25, who bears a resemblance to the rap icons, to consider trying out for the film and he is asking hopefuls to send video auditions to him. The tweet suggests Gray has moved on from the idea of casting Cube and Eazy–E's sons as their famous fathers in the biopic. (Starpulse)

If travel presents problems, interested actors can submit their auditions online.

There's a Gmail address on the sheet for people to send video auditions, so if you want to be considered, check it out. Casting unknowns is the only way to go with a Compton movie. No one in the Hollywood system has what it takes to nail the roles of such volatile artists as Cube, Dre and Eazy. There was even a rumor at one point that the sons of the famous rappers would rise up to the challenge and play their fathers on screen. That could work, though nothing has come of that rumor to date. (Cinema Blend)

Late N.W.A. member Eazy–E's son Lil Eazy–E displayed an interest in portraying his father last fall.

Eazy–E's son says there's a "high probability" he'll play his famous father in an upcoming Hollywood movie about the legendary rap group N.W.A. ... telling TMZ, "I'm the perfect man for the role." TMZ spoke with Eric Wright Jr. –– aka Lil' Eazy–E –– who told us he's "very excited" that New Line Cinema is moving forward with the flick ... which is set to be produced by Eazy's former N.W.A. group member Ice Cube. "Who better to play him in the N.W.A. days?" ... Lil' Eazy said ... adding, "Like father, like son –– no makeup needed." The 27–year–old –– who's trained with an acting coach in the past –– tells us he's already been in contact with the movie producers ... but he has yet to formally audition for the gig. Wright was only 11 years old when Eazy died back in 1995 –– but he tells us, "I know I'm just like my dad." (TMZ)

In September 2011, various renowned directors were attached to the film.

It appears that the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton is rapidly coalescing –– but it may not be with John Singleton directing. Though he recently told the Playlist that he was talking about doing the project with his Boyz n the Hood cohort and N.W.A. alum Ice Cube (who is producing Compton), insiders say that New Line Cinema is focusing on three other directors: Hustle & Flow's Craig Brewer, who's expressed strong interest; Ice Cube's old Friday director, F. Gary Gray; and, intriguingly, Friday Night Lights' Peter Berg. Clear eyes, full hearts ... f*ck tha police? (New York Mag)