nullCarra Patterson and Paul Giamatti have joined the cast of Universal’s N.W.A. biopic, "Straight Outta Compton," playing Tomica Woods, Eazy-E’s widow (who inherited his share of N.W.A. song rights, and is also a producer on the film), and Jerry Heller, manager of the group.

The pair join O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, respectively, in a film directed by F. Gary Gray. The drama is produced by original N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Matt Alvarez and Tomica Woods-Wright. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Gray. 

Originally set up at New Line, Universal picked up the sub-$25 million project in turnaround, with F. Gary Gray attached to direct. John Singleton was, at one time, interested in the job.
The upcoming film, which follows the group as they emerge from the streets of Compton, California in the mid-1980s, to go onto revolutionize pop culture with their music, is set for a release next year, according to producers. Further casting announcements should be just around the corner.

The project was recently on the receiving end of criticism over a casting notice, published by Sande Alessi Casting, that highlighted so-called colorism issues within the industry. 

Blavity EntertainmentCarra PattersonPaul GiamattiShadow and Act