N.W.A. biopic director, F. Gary Gray, is searching for a cast.

The cameras are almost ready to roll for the project, with Gary Gray announcing an open casting call this week. The criteria for auditioning are that candidates must be males between 18 and 25. 

F. Gary Gray is opening the biopic project to all fans and potential actors, as well as professionals. The casting announcement was made via his Twitter account. Apparently, Gary Gray is on the look-out for actors to play N.W.A. members, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E and MC Ren.

When news of the biopic about the seminal gangsta rap group arrived, there was speculation that Ice Cube and Eazy-E might be played by the MCs’ own sons. However, F. Gary Gray seems to have moved on from this idea, and is now opening the roles to anyone who bears a resemblance to the legendary rappers.

Starpulse reports that the Italian Job director is even encouraging hopefuls to send him video auditions if they are unable to attend in person.

Cinema Blend has commented that casting unknowns is perhaps the only way that this biopic could work, due to the gritty reputation of Compton’s movie heritage, which puts a high price on believability.

- By Fiona Guest