Casting for the key roles of a complex, emotional, real-life street drama like Universal Pictures' “Straight Outta Compton” was highly personal and took an immense effort by director F. Gary Gray. Of course, their goal when casting the five coveted roles was the full package of triple-threat performers—who could act, look the part and perform with an unfiltered intensity that channeled N.W.A. members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella and MC Ren.
The role of Ice Cube were the first to be cast. As the early development stages of the project began to take shape, Ice Cube could easily envision his then-20-year-old son stepping into the on-screen role of Cube’s younger self. One look at O’Shea Jackson, Jr., and there’s no mistaking he is his father’s son. It’s not just the striking physical similarities between the two, but subtle nuances that genetics can’t deny—like a confident swagger that comes from a deep and strong sense of self.
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