From the Emerald City to the streets of Long Beach, Cynthia Erivo is stepping into another major role and this time, she’s entering the world of Hip-Hop history.
The award-winning actress and singer has officially joined the cast of Snoop, Universal Pictures’ upcoming biopic centered on rap icon, entrepreneur, and entertainment mogul Snoop Dogg. Erivo is set to portray Afeni Shakur, the mother of the late Tupac Shakur, adding another significant piece to a production that is bringing some of Hip-Hop’s most recognizable figures to the big screen.
Currently in production in Southern California, Snoop is directed by Craig Brewer and features an expanding ensemble of actors portraying the artists, family members, and influential personalities connected to Snoop’s journey. Erivo joins Jonathan Daviss, Myles Bullock Be, Lauren London, Camron Jones, Algee Smith, Tre Hale, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Olly Sholotan, Corey Champagne, Jonica Booth, and SwayvoTwain.
While the film’s central focus is Snoop Dogg’s rise from Long Beach, California, to international superstardom, the casting of Erivo signals that the story will also explore some of the relationships and cultural figures connected to the era that helped shape West Coast Hip-Hop.
Cynthia Erivo To Play Afeni Shakur In Snoop Biopic
Erivo will take on the role of Afeni Shakur, a former Black Panther activist and one of the most significant figures in Tupac’s personal life and legacy. Beyond being the mother of one of Hip-Hop’s most influential artists, Afeni had a history of political activism, personal struggles, and a complicated relationship with her son.
Her influence became especially recognizable through Tupac’s emotional tribute, “Dear Mama,” which celebrated the sacrifices, challenges, and unconditional love associated with their relationship. The track became one of the rapper’s defining records, reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately earning recognition as one of Hip-Hop’s most enduring tributes to motherhood.
Bringing Afeni’s story into Snoop adds another layer to a film that will inevitably revisit a pivotal period in rap history. Her role in Tupac’s life and the personal experiences that helped shape his music offers an opportunity to explore the human stories behind the larger-than-life names audiences remember.
Erivo is no stranger to taking on complex, real-life characters. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song, while her performance as Elphaba in Universal’s two-part Wicked franchise further established her as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.
Jonathan Daviss, Camron Jones, and the Cast Bringing Hip-Hop History To Life
Leading the film is Outer Banks star Jonathan Daviss, who will portray Snoop Dogg. Daviss takes on the challenge of depicting an artist whose career has spanned decades, evolving from a defining voice in 1990s West Coast rap into a global entertainment personality and business mogul.
Camron Jones, known for his work in Amazon Prime Video’s Panic, will portray Tupac Shakur, placing him opposite a cast that includes several actors representing key figures from the rapper’s early career and personal circle.
The ensemble also includes Myles Bullock Be as Dr. Dre, Lauren London as Snoop’s late mother Beverly Tate, Algee Smith as Warren G, and Tre Hale as Suge Knight. Laya DeLeon Hayes will portray Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus, while Olly Sholotan takes on the role of Kurupt. Corey Champagne is set to portray Nate Dogg, Jonica Booth will play The Lady of Rage, and SwayvoTwain will portray The Notorious B.I.G.
That’s quite a collection of names to bring together in one production, particularly considering the influence these artists and personalities had on the sound, business, and cultural impact of Hip-Hop during the 1990s. The film is also expected to incorporate music from Snoop Dogg’s extensive catalog, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit the records that helped establish his place in music history.
Craig Brewer and Brian Grazer Bring Experience To The Production
Behind the camera, Craig Brewer is directing Snoop and writing the latest draft of the screenplay, which was initially written by Joe Robert Cole. Brewer most recently directed Song Sung Blue for Universal’s specialty label Focus Features and previously earned recognition for Hustle & Flow, another film deeply connected to the world of music and the pursuit of artistic success.
The production brings together an experienced team, including Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum. Grazer’s producing credits include the Eminem-inspired drama 8 Mile, making his involvement particularly interesting for a project exploring the life of another major figure in rap music.
Snoop Dogg and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker are also producing. The movie marks the first project under Death Row Pictures‘ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment, adding another significant business milestone to Snoop’s expanding entertainment portfolio.
Cynthia Erivo Continues A Busy Run Of Major Film Projects
Erivo’s casting arrives during an especially active chapter of her career. Following her acclaimed performance as Elphaba in Universal’s Wicked films, the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner continues to build an impressive collection of projects across film, television, and theater adaptations.
Her performance in the first Wicked earned nominations from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, BAFTA, and Academy Awards. With three Oscar nominations already to her name, Erivo has demonstrated an ability to move between musical performances, dramatic roles, and character-driven storytelling.
Next, she stars in the film adaptation of the Broadway sensation Prima Facie, which she also executive produced through her Edith’s Daughter banner. The film premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland on November 13.
She is also part of the ensemble for Paramount’s upcoming fantasy adaptation Children of Blood and Bone, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film features an impressive cast that includes Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Idris Elba, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Regina King, and Lashana Lynch. It is scheduled to open in theaters on January 15th, 2027.
Snoop’s Story Is Bigger Than One Name
With production underway and its cast continuing to take shape, Snoop is positioning itself as more than a straightforward music biopic. Snoop Dogg’s story is connected to an era that transformed West Coast rap, influenced popular culture, and introduced audiences to artists whose legacies continue to resonate across generations.
The addition of Cynthia Erivo as Afeni Shakur brings an important personal and historical dimension to that story. Her connection to Tupac offers filmmakers an opportunity to explore the relationships behind the music, while the casting of actors portraying Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, Warren G, Nate Dogg, and other influential figures places the film within a much larger cultural landscape.
Of course, portraying icons whose music, personalities, and histories are already deeply familiar to audiences comes with expectations. Viewers will be looking for more than recognizable names and familiar records; they’ll want performances that capture the personalities, relationships, and defining moments behind the legacy.
With Craig Brewer directing, Brian Grazer producing, Snoop Dogg involved behind the scenes, and Cynthia Erivo joining an increasingly recognizable cast, there’s plenty of reason to keep this one on the radar. Snoop is scheduled to hit theaters August 6th, 2027. And if the casting is any indication, this trip through Hip-Hop history is bringing plenty of familiar names along for the ride.
