Outkast member Andre 3000 will start production
and star in a movie tentatively titled the "Untitled Andre Benjamin Project,"
an effort with Element Films.
The rapper is currently negotiating with two-time
Emmy Award winning Director Paris Barclay, who is responsible for "NYPD
Blue" and "City of Angels."
The movie is set in the mid-1970’s and follows
the story of an upper-middle-class musical wizard named ‘Valentine’ (Benjamin)
and his lower-class friend ‘Chevron.’
Tension grows, as the families are opposed to
their interracial relationship as lovers. The plot takes a turn when an accidental
shooting by Chevron’s brother, who is a police officer is blamed on Valentine.
"This is a story that I have been passionate
about being a part of for a long time," Benjamin said via statement. "This
project is coming to life at a perfect time in my theatrical career."
The film will be executive produced by Element’s
CEO Sam Nazarian, while Element partners Adam Rosenfelt and Stavros Merjos will
produce.
Andre has been featured in several movies including
"Be Cool," the sequel to 198’s comedy "Get Shorty," "Hollywood
Homicide" and hopes to play guitar legend Jimmy Hendrix in an upcoming
Hughes Brothers film.