Cynthia Erivo will portray Afeni Shakur, mother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, in the new Snoop Dogg biopic titled Snoop. The casting announcement adds another major name to the ensemble behind the film from Universal Pictures and Death Row Pictures.
Erivo will bring Afeni onscreen, introducing audiences to a woman whose activism, struggles, and influence shaped Tupac’s life and legacy. Afeni Shakur joined the Black Panther Party in 1968 and faced charges connected to Panther 21 case in New York.
She represented herself during the trial and won acquittal in 1971, shortly before giving birth to her son, Tupac Shakur. Throughout Tupac’s childhood, Afeni navigated difficult circumstances while raising the rap icon and shaping his understanding of identity and justice.
Her experiences with addiction informed Tupac’s tribute, Dear Mama, which remains one of his most celebrated recordings and enduring classics. Following her son’s death in 1996, Afeni managed his estate and worked to preserve his music, memory, and cultural impact.
She continued that work until her death in 2016, leaving behind a legacy beyond her connection to the influential rapper. Erivo’s casting brings considerable acting experience to the production, following acclaimed performances in film, television, and theatre over recent years.
The British performer earned recognition for portraying Harriet Tubman in Harriet and singer Aretha Franklin in the television series Genius. She became widely known for playing Elphaba in the musical films Wicked and Wicked: For Good, expanding her global profile.
In Snoop, Jonathan Daviss will portray Snoop Dogg, while Camron Jones takes on the role of Tupac Shakur opposite Erivo. Meanwhile, Lauren London will play Snoop’s mother, Beverly Tate, with Algee Smith portraying rapper Warren G in the upcoming production.
The cast includes performers portraying Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, Kurupt, Nate Dogg, The Lady of Rage, and The Notorious B.I.G. Director Craig Brewer leads production for Universal, while Snoop Dogg joins executive producers Brian Grazer, Sara Ramaker, and Allan Mandelbaum.
With production underway in Southern California, Snoop is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 6, 2027, through Universal Pictures.
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