Cynthia Erivo has joined Universal Pictures’ upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, Snoop, portraying Afeni Shakur, the mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur. The actress joins Jonathan Daviss, who will play Snoop Dogg, and Camron Jones, who has been cast as Tupac. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film features an ensemble portraying musicians, family members and other figures associated with the rapper’s life and career.
Key Takeaways
- Cynthia Erivo will portray Afeni Shakur, Tupac Shakur’s mother, in Universal Pictures’ Snoop Dogg biopic
- Jonathan Daviss will play Snoop Dogg, while Camron Jones will portray Tupac Shakur
- Lauren London and Laya DeLeon Hayes are among the actors portraying members of Snoop Dogg’s family
- Craig Brewer is directing the film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on August 6, 2027
- Snoop Dogg is producing alongside Brian Grazer, Sara Ramaker and Allan Mandelbaum
Cynthia Erivo Cast as Afeni Shakur in Snoop Dogg Biopic
Universal Pictures has cast Cynthia Erivo as Afeni Shakur in its upcoming biographical film about Snoop Dogg. Her character represents a connection to Tupac Shakur, whose relationship with Snoop Dogg forms part of the broader history surrounding the rapper’s career.
Afeni Shakur was an activist and member of the Black Panther Party. She later became involved in managing her son’s estate and preserving his work following his death in 1996.
Erivo’s casting brings an actress with experience portraying historical figures into the production. Her previous roles include Harriet Tubman in Harriet and Aretha Franklin in the television series Genius: Aretha.
She has also received recognition for her work in musical theater and film. Erivo’s experience across both mediums reflects the connection between Broadway and film, particularly through her performances as Elphaba in Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
Her portrayal of Afeni Shakur adds another biographical role to her career. While specific details about the character’s involvement in the film have not been disclosed, the casting confirms that Tupac’s family will be represented alongside musicians and other people connected to Snoop Dogg.
Jonathan Daviss and Camron Jones Lead the Cast
Jonathan Daviss will portray Snoop Dogg, while Camron Jones will play Tupac Shakur in the Universal Pictures production.
Daviss is known for portraying Pope Heyward in the Netflix series Outer Banks. His casting places him in the lead role of a film centered on Snoop Dogg’s life, from his early music career to his development as an entertainer and businessman.
Jones, whose previous credits include the television series Panic, will portray Tupac. His character connects the film to the careers and personal histories of two rappers who were associated with the West Coast hip-hop scene during the 1990s.
The supporting cast includes Lauren London as Beverly Tate, Snoop Dogg’s mother, and Laya DeLeon Hayes as Shante Broadus, the rapper’s wife.
These casting choices indicate that the film will feature family members alongside musicians and industry figures. However, the extent of each character’s role in the final story has not been publicly detailed.
Erivo’s portrayal of Afeni Shakur adds another family relationship to the cast, bringing Tupac’s mother into a production primarily focused on Snoop Dogg.
Snoop Dogg Biopic Includes Figures From Hip-Hop History
The film’s ensemble includes actors portraying musicians and industry figures associated with Snoop Dogg’s career and the wider hip-hop scene.
Myles Bullock Be will portray Dr. Dre, while Algee Smith will play Warren G. Tre Hale has been cast as Suge Knight, with Olly Sholotan as Kurupt, Corey Champagne as Nate Dogg and Jonica Booth as the Lady of Rage.
SwayvoTwain will portray the Notorious B.I.G., adding another prominent rapper from the 1990s to the film’s character lineup.
Several of these figures were associated with Death Row Records, the label connected to Snoop Dogg’s early career. Dr. Dre and Warren G were particularly important to his development as a recording artist.
Snoop Dogg’s professional connections have also continued through later performances and collaborations. He joined Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar for the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, which featured music associated with several periods of their careers.
The biopic’s casting reflects these longstanding relationships, although the production has not disclosed how much screen time will be devoted to each musician.
Their inclusion provides context for Snoop Dogg’s career within the music industry while allowing the film to portray people involved in his personal and professional development.
Craig Brewer Directs Universal Pictures’ Snoop Dogg Biopic
Craig Brewer is directing Snoop, with Universal Pictures overseeing its theatrical release.
Brewer previously directed Hustle & Flow and Song Sung Blue. His involvement brings experience with music-centered storytelling to a film examining Snoop Dogg’s life.
The screenplay is based on an original script by Joe Robert Cole, which Brewer revised for the production.
Snoop Dogg is serving as a producer alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum, as well as Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker.
The production is also part of Death Row Pictures’ arrangement with NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios. Snoop Dogg’s music catalog will be incorporated into the film, connecting its biographical story with recordings from his career.
Universal Pictures has scheduled Snoop for theatrical release on August 6, 2027. The film is currently in production, with the casting of Erivo among the latest additions to its ensemble.
Afeni Shakur’s Life and Connection to Tupac’s Legacy
Afeni Shakur was born Alice Faye Williams in North Carolina in 1947. She became involved with the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s and was among the defendants in the Panther 21 case. She was acquitted of the charges in 1971, shortly before Tupac’s birth.
Her relationship with Tupac influenced aspects of his music, including his 1995 song Dear Mama, which addressed their family experiences.
Following Tupac’s death in September 1996, Afeni became involved in overseeing his estate and maintaining his artistic legacy. She also established the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation to support young people through arts and educational initiatives.
Afeni died in 2016 at the age of 69.
Her inclusion in the Snoop Dogg biopic acknowledges her connection to Tupac’s personal history. With Camron Jones portraying the rapper and Erivo playing his mother, the film includes characters representing both his musical career and family background.
The production has not confirmed which specific events from Afeni Shakur’s life will appear in the finished film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Cynthia Erivo portray in the Snoop Dogg biopic?
Cynthia Erivo will portray Afeni Shakur, the mother of Tupac Shakur. Afeni was a Black Panther Party activist who later helped manage her son’s estate and preserve his legacy.
Who is playing Snoop Dogg in the upcoming film?
Jonathan Daviss will portray Snoop Dogg. He is known for playing Pope Heyward in Netflix’s Outer Banks.
Who will portray Tupac Shakur in the Snoop Dogg biopic?
Camron Jones has been cast as Tupac Shakur. Cynthia Erivo will portray his mother, Afeni Shakur.
Who is directing the Snoop Dogg biopic?
Craig Brewer is directing the Universal Pictures film. Snoop Dogg is also producing alongside Brian Grazer, Sara Ramaker and Allan Mandelbaum.
When will the Snoop Dogg biopic be released?
Universal Pictures has scheduled Snoop for theatrical release on August 6, 2027.
What role did Afeni Shakur play in Tupac’s life?
Afeni Shakur was Tupac’s mother and a former Black Panther Party activist. She influenced aspects of his music and later managed his estate following his death in 1996.
