James Brown movie to shoot in 2008

HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A movie about the life of singer James Brown, who died this week at age 73, is in the works with Spike Lee signed on to direct.

Daily Variety said Wednesday that the picture, which was already in development, was on a track to begin production in 2008, or possibly late 2007.

Brian Grazer will produce the untitled film and is having Lee rewrite the script that has already been polished repeatedly.

Brown worked with author Steve Baugelman on the original screenplay and spent time with Grazer prior to his death Christmas Day from heart failure, Variety said.