The long-awaited biopic of Tupac Shakur is finally getting a second wind. John Singleton has taken over the project, signing on to write and direct. The Boyz N the Hood filmmaker will begin work on the biopic immediately, with an eye on a summer start date.

Singleton was previously linked to the project years ago, but the deal fell through, adding to one of several hurdles that stalled the project.
The two-time Oscar nominee worked with Shakur firsthand when he directed the rap legend in Poetic Justice. "Tupac was the guy who I planned to do a lifetime of films with," Singleton said. "His passing deeply affected my life as well as countless people in this world. His life story is as important to my generation."
The biopic has been in development for nearly a decade, with Antoine Fuqua also previously attached to direct.
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 (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)