Universal Pictures Releases 1st Photo Of Actors In N.W.A. Biopic 'Straight Outta Compton'

Universal Pictures announces the cast and filmmakers of Straight Outta Compton (clockwise, from top left): producer Ice Cube, director F. Gary Gray, producer Dr. Dre, actor Corey Hawkins (as Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (as Eazy-E) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (as Ice Cube).

The highly anticipated N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton is taking shape.

F. Gary Gray will direct the film. Jason Mitchell will portray Eazy E, Corey Hawkinstackles the role of Dr. Dre and O'Shea Jackson Jr. will play his father Ice Cube.

Universal Picture just released the first photo (up top) from the set of the film. It will be released on August 14, 2015. It replaces the next installment of the Bourne franchise, which was originally scheduled to hit theaters on that date, but was pushed back to 2016.

Corey Hawkins

Hawkins wasn't Dr. Dre's first choice to portray him. The producer originally wantedMichael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station), but the actor is busy filming his role as Johnny Storm/ The Human Torch in The Fantastic Four remake.

Hawkins does have a nice resume under his belt though. He's appeared in Non-Stop, Romeo and Juliet, Iron Man 3 and more.

"We're going for a dramatic story that encompasses hip hop, dope-dealing, Reaganomics, Aids, LAPD, rap feuds, FBI, PMRC, the Parental Advisory stickers on the records ... all of it," Cube told The Guardian.

What's your opinion on the three cast members who have been revealed so far?