Cynthia Erivo Joins Snoop Dogg Biopic “Snoop” As Afeni Shakur
Originally published by AllHipHop Read the original
Cynthia Erivo has joined Universal’s Snoop Dogg biopic “Snoop” as Afeni Shakur, the activist and businesswoman who raised Tupac Shakur.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the casting news as production continues in Southern California. Jonathan Daviss stars as Snoop while Camron Jones plays Tupac.
Afeni was far more than a famous artist’s mother. She was a Black Panther activist, businesswoman and founder of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation. Tupac honored her struggle and influence in “Dear Mama.”
Casting Erivo puts an award-winning actor in a role tied directly to one of Hip-Hop’s most personal songs.
The ensemble also brings several central figures from Snoop’s rise to life. Myles Bullock will portray Dr. Dre, Lauren London plays Snoop’s mother, Beverly Tate, and Algee Smith takes on Warren G. Tre Hale is Suge Knight, Laya DeLeon Hayes plays Shante Broadus, and Olly Sholotan appears as Kurupt.
Corey Champagne will portray Nate Dogg, Jonica Booth is Lady of Rage, and SwayvoTwain plays Biggie.
Craig Brewer is directing and wrote the latest script draft after Joe Robert Cole handled the original. Brian Grazer, Allan Mandelbaum, Snoop Dogg and Sara Ramaker are producing. The movie will draw from Snoop’s catalog, giving the production direct access to the music that helped build his story.
Universal has set “Snoop” for a wide theatrical release on August 6, 2027, calling it the “definitive biopic” of the Long Beach rap icon.
The project is Death Row Pictures’ first film under its deal with NBCUniversal. The studio made the official announcement in July, months before the latest casting updates.
Erivo enters the film during a busy stretch.
She stars as London trial lawyer Tessa in “Prima Facie,” which opens in U.K. and Irish cinemas on November 13, 2026. She will also appear in “Children of Blood and Bone,” scheduled for January 15, 2027. The Snoop production adds another major role to that run.
For the biopic, Erivo’s job reaches beyond celebrity resemblance. Afeni’s political work, business leadership and role as the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation’s founder made her a central figure in Hip-Hop history.
With filming underway, the lineup now spans Snoop’s family, collaborators and several Death Row-era figures central to the story.
