Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin will play himself in "Church Boy," an autobiographical feature he's producing for Lionsgate says The Hollywood Reporter.

"Church Boy" follows the singer from his abandonment by a young mother to his direction of a Texas choir at age 11, a teenage dive into sex and drugs and his ultimate redemption and success.

Franklin is composing the soundtrack to the film, featuring his signature songs and several new numbers. Shooting begins this spring with a 2008 release planned.