One was a legendary singer/songwriter who changed the direction of soul music for ever, the other was a comedian and award-winning actor.

But when Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac signed up to star alongside each other in the upcoming movie Soul Men, nobody could have predicted both men would be dead before the film's release.

By an incredible coincidence which is sure to give the film's other star, Samuel L Jackson, the willies, Hayes and Mac passed away just one day apart.

Last stand: Bernie Mac (left), Isaac Hayes (centre) and Samuel L Jackson (right) in the upcoming film Soul Men

Mac died from complications relating to pneumonia in a Chicago hospital on Saturday morning aged 50, while Hayes was found slumped by a treadmill at his home in Memphis on Sunday.

The Shaft composer died in hospital that afternoon at the age of 65. Police today revealed the cause of death as a stroke.

Stage-bound: Mac and Jackson perform in Soul Men

Now director Malcolm Lee is planning to re-edit Soul Men ahead of its American release in November to honour the two men.

Lee, the cousin of film-maker Spike Lee, said: 'This isn't like The Dark Knight where Heath Ledger died while editing was in its infancy. Most of our editing is done.

'We'll go back and see if there is anything we can do better. I want my movie to be a tribute to both of them.'