The cast of the Snoop Dogg biopic is getting bigger and more stellar.
From Wicked Witch to Black Panther Activist
Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Tupac Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur, in the upcoming Universal Pictures’ biopic, “Snoop.” Erivo is no stranger to a Universal production, having been a part of the massive “Wicked” franchise. The Tony winner joins a deep line-up of new and current stars: Jonathan Daviss (Snoop himself), Myles Bullock (Dr. Dre), Lauren London (Snoop’s mother), Camron Jones (Tupac Shakur), Algee Smith (Warren G), Tre Hale (Suge Knight), Laya DeLeon Hayes, Olly Sholotan (Kurupt), Corey Champagne (Nate Dogg), Jonica Booth (Robin Yvette Allen) and SwayvoTwain (Biggie Smalls).
Erivo will be taking on the role Shakur’s mother, a former Black Panther activist with a strained relationship with her son. He spoke about her struggles with addiction on the song, “Dear Mama,” and helped her through her recovery journey. Because the movie mostly focuses on Snoop Dogg and his story, the details of the Shakur family story may not explored as much.
Erivo, a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, is recently coming off the intense promotional blitz for “Wicked For Good” and is currently promoting her newest film (and potential franchise-maker) “Children of Blood and Bone,” where she’ll play Admiral Kaea alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, and Damson Idris.
More Details on Universal’s Newest Biopic
Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow”) is directing the feature film that is currently in production in southern California. The film is being produced by Brian Grazer, the same producer behind the Eminem-focused film, “8 Mile,” as well as Snoop Dogg and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. Brewer actually wrote the script’s latest draft, the original was written by Joe Robert Cole and the film will, most importantly, feature the rap mogul’s massive catalog.
“Snoop” will focus on the life and career of the legendary rapper who started out as Calvin Broadus Jr. and will feature notable moments in his life like his Death Row journey, friendship with Dr. Dre and Nate Dogg, and various controversies. The OG himself showed up at CinemaCon in April 2026 to talk up the film and tease the trailer coming next year. He also introduced the young man playing himself in the film, Daviss, and couldn’t really give those in the audience too many details, but the excitement in the room was real.
With the noted financial success and cultural impact of “Straight Outta Compton,” this next chapter in ’90s rap biopic era could see similar success if audiences are given a reason to show up. “Snoop” is scheduled to release next summer, August 6, 2027.
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