Snoop Dogg‘s upcoming biopic “Snoop” continues to add big names in very surprising roles.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, three-time Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo has been added to the project as Afeni Shakur, the mother of rapper Tupac Shakur (Camron Jones).
The film, which is being touted as the “definitive biopic of the entertainment mogul and icon,” already features a well-rounded cast including Myles Bullock Be as Dr. Dre, Lauren London as Snoop’s late mother, Beverly Tate, Algee Smith as Warren G and more, with “Outer Banks” actor Jonathan Daviss portraying Snoop.
“Nemesis” star Tre Hale has been cast as Suge Knight, while Laya DeLeon Hayes will portray Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus, “Bel Air” star Olly Sholotan as Kurupt and “Rap Sh!t” star Jonica Booth as The Lady of Rage.
Afeni Shakur gained widespread recognition among hip-hop fans not only as the mother of arguably the most influential rapper of all time, but also for her time as an activist with the Black Panther Party. Her life was chronicled most recently in the FX documentary “Dear Mama,” directed by Allen Hughes. The multi-part docuseries explored the parallels between Shakur and her son through their respective rises, struggles, and, later, how protective Afeni was of her son’s legacy.
Afeni died in May 2016 after suffering cardiac arrest.
For Erivo, who has already won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award in her career, portraying Shakur is another addition to what should be a busy 2027. She’s also set to star in the film adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone,” which features another all-star ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Idris Elba, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Regina King, and Lashana Lynch.
“Snoop,” directed by Craig Brewer of “Hustle & Flow” fame, is set to hit theaters in August 2027.
