Straight Outta Compton
A visceral biographical drama charting the explosive rise of N.W.A, where the raw asphalt of Compton meets the electric neon of fame, capturing a sonic revolution fueled by defiance and systemic rage.
Straight Outta Compton
Straight Outta Compton

"The world's most dangerous times created the world's most dangerous group."

11 August 2015 United Kingdom 147 min ⭐ 7.8 (4,090)
Director: F. Gary Gray
Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Aldis Hodge, Jason Mitchell, Paul Giamatti, Alexandra Shipp
Drama History Music
Systemic Injustice and Police Brutality Freedom of Speech vs. Censorship The Pitfalls of Corporate Exploitation Loyalty and Brotherhood
Budget: $28,000,000
Box Office: $201,634,991

Straight Outta Compton - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Eazy-E (Eric Wright)

Jason Mitchell

Archetype: Antihero
Key Trait: Business savvy combined with street vulnerability

Motivation

To build a legacy and escape the violence of the streets through his own label, Ruthless Records.

Character Arc

Starts as a small-time drug dealer looking for an exit; becomes the wealthy face of N.W.A but is eventually humbled by financial ruin and a terminal illness, finding redemption through reconciliation.

Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson)

O'Shea Jackson Jr.

Archetype: The Prophet
Key Trait: Uncompromising and fiercely articulate

Motivation

Artistic integrity and the desire to be compensated fairly for his 'truth-telling' lyrics.

Character Arc

The group's primary lyricist who recognizes his worth and refuses to be exploited, leading him to a successful solo career and a role as a political voice for his generation.

Dr. Dre (Andre Young)

Corey Hawkins

Archetype: The Visionary
Key Trait: Obsessive musical genius

Motivation

To create a sound that defines an era and to achieve creative freedom without the interference of thugs or shady managers.

Character Arc

A musical perfectionist who evolves from a DJ in a small club to a genre-defining producer, eventually breaking free from toxic partnerships to find his own independence.

Jerry Heller

Paul Giamatti

Archetype: The Mentor/Gatekeeper
Key Trait: Paternalistic and manipulative

Motivation

To reclaim his relevance in the music industry by managing the 'next big thing' while ensuring his own financial security.

Character Arc

Provides the group with their first legitimate platform but slowly reveals a self-serving nature that prioritizes his own wealth over the group's unity.

MC Ren

Aldis Hodge

Archetype: The Stalwart
Key Trait: Reliable and lyrical

Motivation

To push the boundaries of rap and maintain the group's hardcore identity.

Character Arc

The loyal core member who provides much of the group's lyrical backbone, remaining focused on the music even as the leaders fragment.

Cast

LaKeith Stanfield as Snoop Dogg
Aldis Hodge as MC Ren
Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E
Paul Giamatti as Jerry Heller
Alexandra Shipp as Kim
Keith Powers as Tyree
Orlando Brown as Block Dude
Corey Hawkins as Dr. Dre
O'Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube
Carra Patterson as Tomica
Neil Brown Jr. as DJ Yella
Marlon Yates Jr. as D.O.C.
R. Marcos Taylor as Suge Knight
Elena Goode as Nicole
Joshua Brockington as Young Warren G