Cynthia Erivo is stepping into the world of hip-hop history with her next film role. The award-winning actor has joined the upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic. She will portray a woman whose life had a major connection to one of rap’s biggest names. Erivo will play Afeni Shakur, Tupac Shakur’s mother.
Cynthia Erivo to play Tupac’s mother in Snoop Dogg biopic
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Erivo has joined Universal Pictures’ Snoop, which is now filming in Southern California. The movie follows the life and career of Snoop Dogg, who rose to fame in the 1990s. Jonathan Daviss, known for Netflix’s Outer Banks, plays the rapper. Myles Bullock Be, Lauren London, Camron Jones, Algee Smith, Tre Hale, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Olly Sholotan, Corey Champagne, Jonica Booth and SwayvoTwain also appear in the cast.
Camron Jones will star as Tupac, the powerful rapper whose life and career will continue to be a central part of the narrative. Erivo will play his mother, Afeni, a former Black Panther activist. They shared a strained relationship, a key part of Tupac’s personal story. Their connection also inspired his hit song “Dear Mama,” which pays tribute to her.
Craig Brewer directs the project and wrote its latest screenplay draft. The original script was written by Joe Robert Cole. Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum are producing, alongside Snoop Dogg and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker.
Erivo will portray Afeni Shakur, a former Black Panther activist whose relationship with her son was strained. Tupac later honoured her through his hit song “Dear Mama,” which reflects their bond. Erivo brings major awards recognition to the project, including a Tony, Grammy and Emmy win, along with three Oscar nominations. Her portrayal of Afeni Shakur will bring another important part of Tupac’s life to the screen in the upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic.
