‘Wicked’ Star Cynthia Erivo Joins Snoop Dogg Biopic as Tupac’s Mother, Afeni Shakur

Universal’s long-developing Snoop Dogg biopic is coming together with a stacked ensemble. Titled ‘Snoop’, the film tells the story of Calvin Broadus Jr.’s rise in the West Coast hip-hop scene as Snoop Doggy Dogg, including his time at Death Row Records and his work with Dr. Dre on ‘Doggystyle’.

The project has been in the works for years. When it was announced in 2022, ‘Black Panther’ co-writer Joe Robert Cole was writing the script, and Allen Hughes was attached to direct, before Craig Brewer of ‘Hustle & Flow’ and ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ took over in 2025.

The film has now landed a major name. According to The Hollywood Reporter‘s exclusive report, Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Afeni Shakur, the mother of Tupac Shakur. Afeni Shakur was a former activist with the Black Panther Party and the subject of the FX documentary ‘Dear Mama’, directed by Allen Hughes. She died in May 2016 after suffering cardiac arrest.

Erivo brings a decorated résumé to the project. TheGrio describes her as a 3-time Academy Award nominee who has also won an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Tony Award, as well as a Grammy.

She’s also set to appear in the film adaptation of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’, alongside Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Idris Elba. Her casting gives the Snoop Dogg biopic another high-profile performer in a key supporting role.

Jonathan Daviss, known for ‘Outer Banks’, leads the film as Snoop Dogg, a casting the rapper has publicly endorsed on social media. Camron Jones plays Tupac Shakur, setting up Erivo’s on-screen connection to the late rapper.

Myles Bullock Be plays Dr. Dre, and Lauren London plays Snoop’s late mother, Beverly Tate. Algee Smith joins as Warren G, Tre Hale plays Suge Knight, and Laya DeLeon Hayes portrays Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus.

The ensemble also includes Olly Sholotan as Kurupt and Jonica Booth as The Lady of Rage. Together, the cast brings to life a pivotal era in West Coast hip-hop history. Brewer is directing and was also brought on to revise the script, according to VICE. His past work exploring music and performance culture makes him a natural fit for a story rooted in the rise of a hip-hop icon.

The project is the first under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios. Snoop has deep ties to NBCUniversal, having served as a judge on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ and hosted holiday specials on Peacock.

The biopic is scheduled to hit theaters in August 2027. With much of the core cast now in place, the film looks to be gaining momentum ahead of its release. Erivo’s addition also sharpens the film’s ties to Tupac’s story. Afeni Shakur’s influence on her son is well documented, and her presence could add emotional depth to the portrayal of Snoop’s relationship with Tupac.

From its 2022 announcement to a new director and a growing ensemble, ‘Snoop’ has gone through several changes on its way to the screen. The cast now features rising stars alongside established names like Erivo and London. For fans of West Coast hip-hop, the biopic promises a closer look at one of the genre’s most influential figures and the people who shaped his early career.

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