The upcoming biopic  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. The movie called All Eyez on Me,  started filming last week in Atlanta with music video director Benny Boom.

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.

Demetrius bares a strikingly resemblance to the late Tupac, hopefully his acting will be on point as well.