Tillman directs 'Miles Davis'

Producers have tapped George Tillman Jr. to develop and helm "Miles Davis," an upcoming biopic about the influential jazz musician. Helmer and producer Tillman ("Soul Food," "Faster," "Notorious," "Barbershop") will base the film on the 2006 book "Dark Magus: The Jekyll and Hyde Life of Miles Davis," penned by Davis' son, Gregory Davis. Film will follow Davis' life, including his battles with drug dependency, as well as the development of his legendary body of work. Supporting characters expected to appear in the pic include Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Gil Evans, Michael Jackson and John Coltrane. Nick Davis Raynes and Ged Dickinson partner to produce the film with Davis Raynes Prods. in association with State Street Pictures. A timeline for "Miles Davis" has not yet been set. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com