Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has been cast in Universal’s upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic in a significant role. The film, directed by Craig Brewer, is titled Snoop and has already cast several important figures from the rapper’s life.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Erivo will portray Afeni Shakur, a former Black Panther activist and the mother of late rap legend Tupac Shaku. Known for her advocacy, Afeni famously represented herself in court while pregnant with Tupac, who later immortalized her legacy in his 1995 hit single “Dear Mama.”
Erivo’s role as Afeni Shakur brings Tupac’s story into the Snoop Dogg movie
Afeni Shakur and Tupac’s story connects to Snoop Dogg through their shared ties to the hip-hop scene. Tupac and Snoop were both associated with Death Row Records and collaborated on several tracks, including hits from All Eyez on Me and “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.” However, their relationship eventually deteriorated amid the growing feud between the East and West Coast hip-hop scenes.
Following Tupac’s 1996 murder, Snoop Dogg consistently paid tribute to his late friend. The latter has spoken about his relationship to Afeni Shakur in various interviews as well. A five-part documentary titled Dead Mama further explored the relationship between Afeni and Tupac, featuring interviews with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and others.
Erivo joins an impressive cast that includes Myles Bullock as Dr. Dre and Lauren London as Snoop Dogg’s mother. The titular role of Snoop Dogg will be played by Jonathan Daviss, while Camron Jones will play Tupac. Algee Smith will play Warren G, while the film will also star Olly Sholotan as Kurupt, Corey Champagne as Nate Dogg, Jonica Booth as The Lady of Rage, and SwayvoTwain as Biggie Smalls.
Erivo will be next seen in the feature adaptations of Prima Facie and Children of Blood and Bone. The film is currently in production in Southern California and will feature Snoop Dogg’s music. Brewer rewrote the screenplay, originally penned by Black Panther co-writer Joe Robert Cole.
Snoop Dogg is serving as producer alongside Brian Grazer, Allan Mandelbaum, and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. Snoop is scheduled to release in summer 2027.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
