Speaking with hip-hop news outlet SOHH in 2010, director Antoine Fuqua — now known for "Training Day" and the "Equalizer" films — said he was approached to direct the "Gangsta's Paradise" video by "Dangerous Minds" producer Jerry Bruckheimer (via IMDb). At that time, Fuqua was known mostly as a commercial director, but he had aspirations to direct feature films. Part of the agreement he made with Bruckheimer was to approach "Dangerous Minds" star Michelle Pfieffer, who at that point was at the height of her popularity.

Bruckheimer gave Fuqua Pfieffer's number, and when he gave the movie star a call, she agreed. According to Fuqua (via SOHH), Pfeiffer said, "Yeah, I'll do it, how much time do you need?" The two talked it over, and Fuqua explained what he needed her to do. He then sent her a synopsis. Fuqua also said (via SOHH), "I just wanted Michelle in the video, I wanted to direct a movie star, I wanted to prove I could handle a movie star."

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