Dave Chappelle joins 'Chiraq' cast

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Comedian Dave Chappelle is joining the cast of Spike Lee's new movie "Chiraq" - a sign that it may be a comedy.

Spike Lee has been very secretive about the film's storyline, however, film crews have been spotted in several Chicago neighborhoods, including Englewood, Wicker Park and the South Loop.

Film production started Tuesday. In Wicker Park, posters of a fictional rapper are posted near the music club Double Door and fliers warning residents of simulated gunfire are hung on area businesses.

Other cast members include Nick Cannon and Wesley Snipes. John Cusack is rumored to be playing a character based on Michael Pfleger, the anti-violence advocate and pastor at Saint Sabina Church on the South Side.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has expressed that he is not happy with the working title of movie as the word suggests the city is as dangerous as the war zone in Iraq.