Universal Pictures has added Aaron Paul and Giovanni Ribisi to the cast of its upcoming Snoop Dogg biographical film, Snoop.
Paul and Ribisi Join the Music Executive and Legal Cast
Paul, widely recognized for his role as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, will portray music executive Jimmy Iovine. According to Comingsoon, Iovine's Interscope Records secured a distribution deal with Death Row Records, which helped introduce the rapper's early music to mainstream audiences.
Ribisi, known for his work in Avatar, takes on the role of attorney David Kenner. Kenner represented Death Row Records in the late 1990s, cementing his position as a prominent figure in the label’s business and legal history.
Craig Brewer Directs the Ensemble Cast in Southern California
The feature is directed by Craig Brewer from a screenplay based on Joe Robert Cole’s original script, with filming underway in Southern California. Brewer previously directed Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name. Jonathan Daviss, who plays Pope Heyward in Netflix series Outer Banks, leads the project in the title role.
The extensive supporting lineup features Myles Bullock as Dr. Dre, Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur, and Algee Smith as Warren G. Tre Hale plays Death Row co-founder Suge Knight, while SwayvoTwain portrays The Notorious B.I.G. Additional cast members include Lauren London as Snoop’s mother Beverly Tate, Laya DeLeon Hayes as his wife Shante Broadus, Olly Sholotan as Kurupt, Corey Champagne as Nate Dogg, and Jonica Booth as The Lady of Rage.
Cynthia Erivo has joined the project to portray Afeni Shakur, the activist and mother of Tupac. Hercy Miller will portray his real-life father, Master P, and Zachariah Rogers takes on the role of The D.O.C., alongside TyQuan Givens as an original character named B. Mack.
Release Plans
Snoop Dogg is producing alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum, as well as Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. Michael Beugg and Jeb Brody serve as executive producers on the film.
This project serves as the first film under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment, which was announced last April, and the movie will incorporate music drawn from the legendary rapper’s vast catalogue. Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Development Tony Ducret are overseeing the project for Universal.
Universal Pictures has scheduled the film for a theatrical release on August 6, 2027.
