Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin will play himself in an autobiographical feature he's producing called "Church Boy."

The Lionsgate project 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 parlayed his millions of album sales and tour success to found Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, which includes a record label, production company, ad agency, youth outreach initiative and youth ministry.

Franklin is also composing the soundtrack to the film, which is expected to begin principal photography this spring ahead of a theatrical release in 2008.