The studio behind much-delayed Tupac biopic has finally reached an agreement with John Singleton, who had dropped out of the film back in 2011 after terms for a deal couldn "t be met.

Morgan Creek along with Emmett/Furla/Oasis has enlisted the Boyz "n the Hood director to not only direct the upcoming film about the legendary rapper, but re-write and produce it as well.

Reports Variety:

“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.”

Singleton had once been linked to the project, but the deal fell through and the film has been in limbo ever since. James G. Robinson and David Robinson, along with Program Pictures " L.T. Hutton, are also producing the pic.

The film "s long history also includes a legal battle between Morgan Creek and Shakur "s mother, Afeni, over the rights that eventually led to a settlement and Afeni becoming an exec producer on the project. ”Training Day” director Antoine Fuqua attached himself after Singleton "s original flirtation, but bowed out after he couldn "t get the right script in place or find a lead (Morgan Creek tried an open casting, but that didn "t pan out).

Singleton "s next challenge is finding a talent worthy enough to portray the passionate Shakur, who was gunned down in Las Vegas in 1996, only to be immortalized through his music in death. To date, he has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. His friend-turned-rival Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace had a biopic completed on his life and death in 2009.

Filming for the yet-untitled movie is slated to begin in summer 2014

hiphopwired.com