Fox Searchlight Pictures to Announce Open Casting Call for Role of Notorious B.I.G. for Upcoming Biopic

Fox Searchlight Pictures and the producers of an as of yet untitled biographical film about the life of the Notorious B.I.G. will hold an open casting call for the role of the slain MC. According to the Associated Press, actors and non-actors alike who resemble Biggie will be considered for the film, which has been in the works for seven years now. "As it relates to the individual Christopher Wallace - his looks, his stature, what he represented, the swagger, the sensibility of the man - all those elements are very difficult to find, no matter where you go," Barrow told the AP on Thursday (August 9). "In the typical Hollywood world, no one came to mind outside of Forest Whitaker who could capture that essence genuinely." Barrow added that the 47 year-old Whitaker was not seriously considered for the role because of his age."There will only be one Christopher Wallace, but I'm happy that his legacy will open a door for another to walk through," Big’s mom Voletta Wallace said in a statement to the Associated Press. "I don't want you to just imitate him. I want to see his swagger, his style, his energy and smile come through." Wallace and the rapper’s former managers, Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow are producing the film.
According to Pitts, it will focus on “the humanity within Christopher himself.” Journalist Cheo Hodari Coker, who penned the biography Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G. wrote the film’s script along with writer Reggie Rock Bythewood. Despite ealier reports, Barrow also confirmed that Training Day director Antoine Fuqua will not be helming the project. Production is expected to begin this fall. Beginning on Sunday (August 12) at 3 a.m., anybody interested in trying out for the role can submit audition videos online at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious and http://www.biggiecasting.com.