Fan CastingRising Star: The Dedrick D. Gobert Story

Set against the backdrop of 1990s Los Angeles, the film follows Dedrick D. Gobert’s journey from a humble upbringing in Shreveport to a breakout star in Boyz n the Hood. Guided by legendary director John Singleton, Dedrick quickly became a recognizable face in a new wave of African-American cinema, with his role as Dooky leaving an indelible mark. The biopic delves into the challenges of navigating fame, the pressures of the film industry, and the allure of fast Hollywood life. As Dedrick works on Poetic Justice and Higher Learning, the film reveals the man behind the camera—charismatic, driven, and deeply connected to the stories he portrayed on screen. Yet, his success couldn’t shield him from the dangers of the environment he sought to escape. On the brink of a promising future, his life was tragically cut short by a senseless act of violence, just days before his 23rd birthday. Rising Star offers a poignant reflection on Gobert’s brief but impactful career, shedding light on the fragility of success and the enduring influence of his work on Black cinema and culture.