News of January 13, 2016
Cast of “All Eyez on Me” Grows: From Jada Pinkett to Suge Knight
In early 2016, the cast for “All Eyez on Me” filled out: new roles for Jada Pinkett, Mutulu Shakur, Faith Evans, Suge Knight, and Angie Martinez.
Following the report on Danai Gurira, the cast of All Eyez on Me filled out week by week. On January 13, it was reported that CW actress Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) would play Jada Pinkett. Vibe recalled that Jada and Tupac knew each other from the Baltimore School for the Arts and remained friends until his death.
From Stepfather to Suge Knight
A day later, Deadline reported that Jamie Hector (The Wire) would take on the role of Tupac’s stepfather Mutulu Shakur. On January 19, Grace Gibson, daughter of actress Lynn Whitfield, followed as singer Faith Evans. AllHipHop reported that Dominic L. Santana was set to play Suge Knight; later reports from the set confirmed this.
Costume Photo on Instagram, Return as Notorious B.I.G.
In March, the role of radio host Angie Martinez was added: Lian Amado posted a costume photo on Instagram. Returning as Notorious B.I.G. was Jamal “Gravy” Woolard: he had already played the role in 2009 in Notorious.