Biggie Biopic Actor Cast

Way back in August, we told you about the Biggie Smalls biopic Notorious that Fox Searchlight was looking to cast. The film, all about the life and times of Christopher Wallace, held an open casting call in October, which hundreds of wanna-Bigs attended.

Now, The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the role of Big will be played by Jamal Woolard, a widely unknown Brooklyn rapper who attended the open casting call. Apparently, Woolard (also known as Gravy) shares more with the deceased rapper than physical size. Woolard, a former drug dealer, has released a few rap albums, and according to Biggie’s mother, has the same “charming personality, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile” as Big. Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher) has been cast as Puffy, while Angela Bassett will play Big’s mom. Anthony Mackie (Half Nelson) will play Big’s rival Tupac.