March 6, 2008 - Filming is ready to begin on Notorious, a film version of the life of deceased rapper Christopher Wallace (aka The Notorious B.I.G.). George Tillman Jr will direct Notorious from a screenplay by Cheo Hodari Coker and Reggie Rock Bythewood. Fox Searchlight is eyeing a January 2009 release date.
Newcomer Jamal Woolard won the sought-after role of Wallace after a lengthy search. Joining him will be Angela Bassett (Mr 3000) as Christopher’s mother Voletta Wallace, Derek Luke (Lions for Lambs) as Sean Combs, and Anthony Mackie (We Are Marshall) as Tupac Shakur. Voletta Wallace, Wayne Barrow, Mark Pitts, Bob Teitel, and Trish Hofmann are producing with Sean Combs executive producing.
In a statement released by Fox Searchlight announcing the start of production, director Tillman said, "I’m looking forward to working with award-winning actress Angela Bassett. I’ve been a huge fan of her work for such a long time. She and the entire cast bring such a wealth of talent, I am beyond thrilled.”
The real Voletta Wallace stated, "Finding BIG was a task in itself and I’m honored that so many young men came out to audition for the role. However, it was Jamal's charming personality, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile that won my heart. He is a talented and charismatic actor and I am excited that he will bring Christopher's character to the big screen.”
Brooklyn native Wallace was a major player in the East Coast hip hop world. His lyrics reflected the violent life he lived before being gunned down on March 9, 1997 by a still unidentified assailant while in Los Angeles, California.
Source: Fox Searchlight
