Spike Lee has signed on to direct a feature on the life of the recently deceased singing legend James Brown for Paramount and Imagine Entertainment reports Variety.

Brown was an active part of the development of the biopic project which Brian Grazer is producing. Lee will rewrite a draft recently turned in by Jezz and John Henry Butterworth.

The rights package includes Brown's life rights, and also access to all his music rights. Although it could be in production by late next year, 2008 is more likely.

Lee will next direct a John Ridley-scripted film on the L.A. riots for Universal, and then will follow that with the Brown film or an "Inside Man" sequel.