The Fast & Furious franchise has proven to be lucrative for Tyrese Gibson, and now the multi-dimensional artist is excited to announce that he’ll be starring in an upcoming biopic about Teddy Pendergrass. The film about the R&B singer’s life will be produced by Lee Daniels, Donald De Line for De Line Pictures, and Gibson’s own Voltron Pictures. Joan Pendergrass, the singer’s widow, takes the role of executive producer while Little Marvin has been called on to write the screenplay. Gibson, a Grammy-nominated singer who is no stranger to creating R&B hits of his own, seems to be a good fit for the role.

Pendergrass was a Philly native who was raised by a single mother after his father abandoned his family when Teddy was young. Pendergrass is known for his hits including “Turn of the Lights,” “Close the Door,” and “Love T.K.O.,” and for belting out classic slow jams that have won the hearts of music lovers from all generations. Following an accident in 1982, Pendergrass was confined to a wheelchair, but that didn’t stop him from returning to the stage to perform for his adoring fans before he passed away in 2010.

“I am honored to take this journey… this is the role that I feel I was born to play. Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and before he passed put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story,” Gibson said. “Being here in this time and in this space and moment with Lee Daniels, Donald De Line, Little Marvin, and Warner Bros is an answered prayer. Teddy, I just hope we make you, your wife and family proud… Here we go!!”