Cynthia Erivo to Play Tupac Shakur’s Mother in Snoop Dogg Biopic

Universal Pictures is in the midst of producing a biographical film centered on the life and career of hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg. Among the film’s notable casting announcements, Cynthia Erivo has been selected to embody Afeni Shakur, the influential activist and mother of rapper Tupac Shakur. This casting choice highlights the film’s commitment to portraying key figures who shaped the West Coast rap scene.

Erivo’s portrayal of Afeni Shakur is poised to bring depth to the narrative, considering Afeni’s legacy not only as Tupac’s mother but also as a former Black Panther and activist. Afeni Shakur’s impact extended beyond her son’s music; she was a driving force behind the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, established shortly after Tupac’s tragic death in 1996. She managed his estate until her passing in 2016 at age 69.

Jonathan Daviss, recognized for his role in the Netflix series Outer Banks, will take on the role of Snoop Dogg, while Camron Jones, known for his work in Panic, is cast as Tupac Shakur. In a notable casting choice, SwayvoTwain, son of the late musicians D’Angelo and Angie Stone, will portray The Notorious B.I.G., adding another layer of authenticity and musical heritage to the production.

The ensemble cast also features Myles Bullock as Dr. Dre, Tre Hale as Suge Knight, Lauren London as Beverly Tate (Snoop Dogg’s mother), and Laya DeLeon Hayes as Shante Broadus, Snoop’s wife. This diverse lineup reflects the film’s broad scope, encompassing significant figures from Snoop Dogg’s personal life as well as key players in the music industry during the era.

Craig Brewer, whose directing credits include films that explore music and culture, is at the helm of the project. The production is currently underway in California, with industry veterans such as producer Brian Grazer, noted for his work on Eminem’s 8 Mile, and Imagine Entertainment’s Allan Mandelbaum also involved. Snoop Dogg himself is serving as an executive producer alongside Sara Ramaker, president of Death Row Pictures, underscoring the project’s close ties to the artist’s legacy.

The biopic is anticipated to reach audiences in August 2027, promising a cinematic exploration of Snoop Dogg’s rise within the context of 1990s hip-hop and the complex cultural dynamics of that period. The inclusion of characters like Afeni Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. assures viewers a multifaceted perspective on the intertwined stories that shaped the genre.

Aside from this role, Cynthia Erivo’s career continues to advance with recent and upcoming projects. She stars in the film adaptation of the Broadway play Prima Facie, which recently debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set for release in the UK and Ireland in November. Additionally, Erivo features in the action-thriller Karōshi, directed by Takashi Doscher, scheduled for release in early 2025.

Erivo’s involvement in the Snoop Dogg biopic marks a significant addition to her portfolio, allowing her to delve into a character with profound cultural and historical importance. The film itself is shaping up to be a significant entry in the genre of music biopics, blending personal narratives with broader social and political themes.

As production progresses, further details about the film’s storyline and additional casting are expected to emerge. For now, the project stands as a highly anticipated portrayal of one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures, enriched by the performances of a carefully assembled cast and a creative team experienced in capturing the essence of music history.