Cynthia Erivo Joins Universal's Snoop Dogg Biopic to Portray Tupac Shakur's Mother Afeni Shakur
Cynthia Erivo has officially joined the cast of Universal Pictures' upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic to portray Afeni Shakur, the former Black Panther activist and mother of Tupac Shakur. The feature film, titled Snoop, is currently in production in Southern California under the direction of Craig Brewer.
Award-winning performer Cynthia Erivo has joined the ensemble of Universal Pictures' upcoming biographical feature film chronicling the life and career of hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, according to reporting published by The Hollywood Reporter. The film, titled Snoop, is currently in active production across Southern California under the direction of filmmaker Craig Brewer.
Erivo, a celebrated Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner who also holds three Academy Award nominations, has been cast in the critical role of Afeni Shakur. Afeni Shakur was a dedicated former Black Panther activist whose profound and occasionally strained bond with her son, legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, served as the emotional foundation for his landmark top-ten record 'Dear Mama.'
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the part of Tupac Shakur will be portrayed by actor Camron Jones, widely recognized for his role in the young adult streaming drama Panic. Leading the project is actor Jonathan Daviss, known for his work on the television series Outer Banks, who steps into the role of Snoop Dogg to depict the artist's formative emergence from Long Beach, California, during the early 1990s as he developed into one of the most prominent figures in rap music.
The call sheet for the Universal biographical project features a wide-ranging supporting cast, including Myles Bullock, Lauren London, Algee Smith, Tre Hale, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Olly Sholotan, Corey Champagne, Jonica Booth, and SwayvoTwain. Director Craig Brewer authored the newest version of the film's script, taking over after an initial screenplay drafted by Joe Robert Cole. The studio production will incorporate recordings from Snoop Dogg's extensive music catalog throughout the feature.
Production leadership on Snoop includes veteran producer Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment, who previously produced the acclaimed semi-autobiographical Eminem drama 8 Mile, alongside Imagine producer Allan Mandelbaum. Snoop Dogg is also directly producing the film alongside Sara Ramaker, the president of Death Row Pictures.
Erivo's casting continues her ongoing creative relationship with Universal Pictures, where she previously headlined the studio's two-part adaptation of the musical Wicked. Her performance as Elphaba garnered widespread critical recognition, resulting in nominations across the Academy Awards, BAFTA, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, and NAACP Image Awards. Beyond Snoop, Erivo recently executive produced and starred in the screen adaptation of Prima Facie through her Edith's Daughter banner, and she is featured in Paramount's upcoming ensemble fantasy production Children of Blood and Bone alongside Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Idris Elba.