Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the life rights to tell the life story of iconic Philadelphia-born R&B singer-songwriter, Teddy Pendergrass, on the big screen.

Fast & Furious actor, Tyrese Gibson will star as the Pendergrass in the movie project that will chronicle the legendary singer’s tumultuous life journey.

Donald De Line will produce through his De Line Pictures studio banner, along with Lee Daniels and Gibson via his Voltron Pictures. Teddy Pendergrass’ widow, Joan Pendergrass, is an executive producer.

Born on March 26, 1950, he was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pendergrass initially rose to musical fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the early 1970s.

After leaving the group over monetary disputes in 1976, Pendergrass launched a successful solo career under the Philadelphia International label, releasing five consecutive platinum albums, then a record for an African-American R&B artist.

On March 18, 1982, while driving his Rolls Royce, Pendergrass lost control on Lincoln Drive in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, hitting a guard rail, crossing into opposing traffic and careening into two trees. He suffered a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. Pendergrass’ career was suspended after this car crash.

He, however, continued his successful solo career until announcing his retirement in 2007. Pendergrass died from colon cancer in January 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!!”