On what would've been Tupac Shakur's 46th birthday, Lionsgate-Codeblack released the long-gestating biopic “All Eyez on Me" pulling an estimated $27.1 million in its debut weekend. Though only a third-place finish, it far surpassed analyst expectations of $17 million to $20 million, an unsurprising feat considering the industry's historical inability to properly track films targeting black audiences. Starring first-time actor Demetrius Shipp Jr., a doppelganger for the “California Love” rapper, the film is titled after Tupac’s final album released before his death. Hutton finally got made because of the massive success of 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton” — despite countless biopics about black musicians doing well at the box office before the film charting N.W.A’s rise — “All Eyez” is an audience favorite. READ MORE: 'Cars 3' revs box-office engines as Tupac fans flock to 'All Eyez on Me'

Source: Los Angeles Times June 18, 2017 21:32 UTC