Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo is stepping into one of hip-hop’s most meaningful family stories. The Wicked star has joined the cast of Universal Pictures’ upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, Snoop, where she will portray the late rapper Tupac Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur.
Erivo, a Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner and three-time Academy Award nominee, will take on the role of Afeni, a former Black Panther activist whose life and influence played a significant part in shaping her son’s legacy.
Afeni Shakur became an inspiration behind Tupac’s emotional 1995 hit song “Dear Mama,” in which the legendary rapper paid tribute to his mother and reflected on the sacrifices, struggles and challenges she experienced while raising him. Afeni also played an important role in preserving her son’s legacy following his tragic death in 1996. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 69.
Erivo joins an impressive ensemble cast led by Jonathan Daviss, who will portray Snoop Dogg, and Camron Jones, who will take on the role of Tupac Shakur. The cast also includes Myles Bullock 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.
Directed by Craig Brewer, the filmmaker behind Hustle & Flow and Coming 2 America, the biopic will chronicle Snoop Dogg’s journey from his early days in Long Beach, California, to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop and entertainment.
Snoop Dogg is also serving as a producer on the project alongside Brian Grazer, Allan Mandelbaum and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. The film is expected to incorporate music from Snoop’s extensive catalog.
With a cast featuring some of Hollywood’s recognizable talent and the stories of several influential figures in hip-hop history, Snoop is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated music biopics.
Universal Pictures has scheduled Snoop to hit theaters on August 6, 2027.
