The upcoming project, also referred to as "Chi-Raq," is now filming in Chicago.
A musical comedy drama written and directed by Lee, the film will explore street and gun violence in the Windy City. It has also been reported to be a musical adaptation of the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata, in which the women of Greece go on a sex strike in an attempt to restore peace during the war.
According to Indiewire, Jennifer Hudson, Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack are also attached. Joining them are rapper Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes and D.B. Sweeney. Kanye West will contribute to the soundtrack.
The Great David Chapelle Is All Aboard Da CHA-RAQ Peace Train. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF. Our Peace Train Is Smokin' Cuz We Ain't Jokin'.A photo posted by SHORTY (@sheltonjlee) on
"Chiraq" has garnered some media attention recently. Chicago local Emmett Benjamin, according to the Chicago Tribune, claimed trademark rights to the term, which was reportedly coined by "low-income people of color" living in "the battle zone with the police." "The name belongs to the people of Chicago. We are merely protecting it and holding it for them," Benjamin told the publication.
Chapelle has not been involved in film or television projects in over ten years, since his self-titled TV series "Chapelle's Show." Oscar nominee Lee is the director of numerous films including "4 Little Girls," "Do the Right Thing" and "Passing Strange," the film adaptation of the 2008 Tony-winning Broadway musical of the same name.
