Cynthia Erivo has joined the cast of Universal Pictures’ upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, taking on the role of Afeni Shakur, the mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur.
Erivo, known for her acclaimed performance as Elphaba in the Wicked films, steps into a key supporting role in Snoop. The project is being directed by Craig Brewer, whose previous credits include Hustle & Flow and the recent Song Sung Blue.
Brewer also contributed the latest draft of the screenplay, which was originally written by Joe Robert Cole.
Jonathan Daviss, recognized for his work on the Netflix series Outer Banks, leads the cast as Snoop Dogg. Camron Jones portrays Tupac Shakur opposite Erivo’s Afeni. Additional cast members include Myles Bullock Be as Dr. Dre, Lauren London as Snoop’s late mother Beverly Tate, Algee Smith as Warren G, Tre Hale as Suge Knight, Laya DeLeon Hayes as Snoop’s wife Shante Broadus, Olly Sholotan as Kurupt, Corey Champagne as Nate Dogg, and Jonica Booth as The Lady of Rage. SwayvoTwain is also among the ensemble.
Afeni Shakur, born Alice Faye Williams in 1947, was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party. She became a central figure in her son’s life and music, most notably as the subject of Tupac’s 1995 hit “Dear Mama.”
The song, which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, remains one of the most celebrated tracks in hip-hop for its raw portrayal of a complicated mother-son relationship marked by struggle, loyalty and resilience. Afeni later managed aspects of her son’s estate following his death in 1996 and passed away in 2016 at age 69.
About the Biopic
The biopic aims to tell the definitive story of Snoop Dogg, who rose from Long Beach, California, in the early 1990s to become one of the most influential and enduring figures in rap and popular culture. The film will incorporate music from Snoop’s extensive catalog. Producers include Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment, known for his work on 8 Mile, along with Allan Mandelbaum,
Snoop Dogg himself, and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. The project marks the first film under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal.
Principal photography began in September 2026 in Southern California and is ongoing. Universal has scheduled the theatrical release for August 6, 2027. The casting of Erivo adds significant star power and dramatic weight to a production already assembling a large ensemble of actors portraying pivotal figures from the West Coast hip-hop scene of the 1990s.
Erivo’s involvement follows a period of high visibility. In addition to the Wicked franchise, she has a full slate of upcoming projects that includes the fantasy adaptation Children of Blood and Bone and other features. Her ability to portray complex, layered characters has made her a frequent choice for roles that require both emotional depth and commanding presence.
The decision to include Afeni Shakur as a character highlights the interconnected nature of the era’s major artists. Tupac’s relationship with Snoop and the broader Death Row Records circle forms part of the cultural backdrop the film is expected to explore.
By casting a performer of Erivo’s caliber in the role, the production signals an intention to treat the personal and political dimensions of the story with care.
Industry Observations
Industry observers note that music biopics have remained a consistent presence at the box office and on streaming platforms in recent years. Projects centered on major hip-hop figures often attract strong audience interest, particularly when they feature recognizable talent and authentic period detail. Snoop enters that landscape with a clear focus on one of the genre’s most recognizable and multifaceted stars.
As filming continues in Southern California, further casting announcements and production updates are likely. For now, the addition of Cynthia Erivo as Afeni Shakur stands as a notable development in a high-profile project that seeks to chronicle the life and career of Snoop Dogg while situating it within the larger history of 1990s hip-hop. The August 2027 release date positions the film for a major summer theatrical window.
READ ALSO:NHIA Pays GH¢2.325bn Claims, Cautions Providers Over Illegal Fees
