Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' Confirmed Amazon's First Movie

After a successful break into television with "Transparent" and "Catastrophe," Amazon has announced it's first step into the movie business with Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq."

Back in January, Amazon announced that it was coming out with a feature film initiative, where the company starts producing twelve films a year. While there were rumors circulating, it was officially announced that Lee's "Chi-Raq" will be Amazon's first feature length film.

The film will be released in theaters first. Amazon Prime members will have access to an early release of the film after it's time in theaters.

When the movie was first being discussed many rumors linked celebrities like Kanye West, Jeremy Piven, and Common to the film. But none of their names are attached to the recent cast list.

Teyonah Parris is leading a cast along with Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, John Cusack, and Samuel L. Jackson.

"Chi-raq" is going to try and shed some light on the violence in inner city Chicago. The title of the movie comes from the nickname typically used to describe the beleaguered South Side neighborhoods.

This, already, has gotten the movie some criticism from Chicago leaders. They say the name demonizes the areas that the film will focus on.

The film has already finished filming and Amazon plans to release it late 2015.

Wanna read more on this? Check these out: Warner Bros.

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