The upcoming biopic film project based on the life of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur has taken a huge step forward thanks to the casting of newcomer actor Demetrius Shipp Jr. in the leading role. Entitled All Eyez on Me, this project started filming last week in Atlanta with music video director Benny Boom directing and L.T. Hutton producing for Morgan Creek Productions. Check out some first-look photos of Shipp in character posted to his Instagram, which also feature his costar Jamal Woolard, reprising his Notorious role as Christopher "The Notorious BIG" Wallace.

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According to TMZ, Shipp's father worked in the music industry and had met Shakur a number of years ago. Demetrius was introduced to the legendary rapper at a young age and has been a fan ever since. To top it all off, he shares a striking resemblance to the late hip-hop icon, which was definitely a selling point for the producer, Hutton.

The film is also set to feature Tupac's death, which took place in 1996.

Just looking at Shipp, you can understand why the crew behind this film wanted him to star. He apparently started taking crash-courses in acting in order to properly prepare for the role.

You can check out rising star Demetrius Shipp Jr. as Tupac Shakur via his Instagram account right here (via Smoking Section):

 Way back to 2011

A photo posted by Demetrius Shipp Jr. (@dshippjraeome) on Dec 17, 2015 at 8:42pm PST

Blessed to be in this positon. Thankful I got to start my career off working with the great legend . Appreciate you brotha 4real. A photo posted by Demetrius Shipp Jr. (@dshippjraeome) on Dec 18, 2015 at 7:39pm PST

#LEGENDARY A photo posted by Demetrius Shipp Jr. (@dshippjraeome) on Dec 18, 2015 at 3:51pm PST

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