Snoop Dogg Biopic Faced Two Diversity Program Rejections

Snoop Dogg‘s biopic faced two rejections in California’s diversity initiative, a Universal executive told the state film commission, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Universal executive Arturo Barquet discussed the rejections at a June 5 California Film Commission meeting. He said the film later cleared that review. Barquet said he did not know why it had initially been turned away, THR reported.

The commission’s public records list a $17,055,000 credit allocation for the project dated December 8, 2025.

THR reported that final commission approval remained pending, citing a person familiar with the matter.

The state listed the movie as the “Untitled Snoop Dogg Project,” with NBCUniversal as its company. Its entry included 50 California filming days, 84 cast members and 190 crew members, along with $48.3 million in qualified spending.

The diversity rules affect how much of an allocation a production can ultimately claim. Under Program 4.0, a film that does not satisfy the added diversity requirements can qualify for up to 96 percent of its award. The remaining 4 percent depends on documenting its efforts and earning the commission’s approval.

California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the process involves a workplan, a progress assessment before filming and a final assessment after production. The plans cannot use racial quotas or other numerical goals for protected groups. The review considers whether a production met its goals or made a good-faith effort.

Snoop had publicly thanked the state when its award announcement came in December 2025. He framed the support as a way to make the movie at home.

“Y’all making it possible for us to tell my story right here where it all began,” he said in the state’s announcement.

Universal has set “Snoop” for an August 6, 2027 theatrical release. Jonathan Daviss, known for “Outer Banks,” will play the rapper. Craig Brewer is directing from his rewrite of Joe Robert Cole’s original script.

Snoop is producing alongside Brian Grazer and Death Row Pictures President Sara Ramaker. The movie is the first project under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment and will use music from his catalog.

Algee Smith has also joined the cast as Warren G, adding another key figure from Snoop’s early career to the film.