Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

First picture from NWA movie Straight Outta Compton released

Cast from biopic revealed for first time

Daisy Wyatt
Friday 20 June 2014 07:37 EDT
Comments
Universal Pictures announces the cast and filmmakers of Straight Outta Compton (clockwise, from top left): Producer Ice Cube, director F. Gary Gray, producer Dr. Dre, actor Corey Hawkins (as Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (as Eazy-E) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (as
Universal Pictures announces the cast and filmmakers of Straight Outta Compton (clockwise, from top left): Producer Ice Cube, director F. Gary Gray, producer Dr. Dre, actor Corey Hawkins (as Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (as Eazy-E) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (as (Universal Pictures)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The first picture from the forthcoming NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton has been released, revealing the cast that will play the legendary rappers.

Dr Dre and Ice Cube will produce the film, with Non-Stop actor Corey Hawkins and O’Shea Jackson Jr in line to play the gangsta rappers respectively.

Jason Mitchell, who appeared in last year’s crime thriller Broken City, will play the late Eazy-E.

Jackson Jr will play his own father Ice Cube, real-name O’Shea Jackson.

Ice Cube and Dr Dre tweeted the image, revealing the movie would be released on 14 August 2015, pitting it against a strong summer for blockbusters including Fast and Furious 7 and Jurassic World.

Directed by The Italian Job’s F Gary Gray, the biopic will trace the rise of the gangsta rap crew from growing up on the rough streets of Compton, Los Angeles, to forging a successful music career.

NWA are credited with redefining gangsta rap and west coast hip hop in the Eighties, with some critics calling them the most important group in the history of rap music.

Active from 1986 to 1991, the rap group were considered controversial due to their explicit lyrics that appeared to disrespect women and glorify drugs and crime.

The film is named after their debut album, which was released in 1988.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in