Cynthia Erivo Joins Snoop Dogg Biopic As Tupac Shakur’s Mother

Cynthia Erivo has landed the role of Afeni Shakur in the upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, bringing the story of Tupac Shakur’s mother to the big screen.

Afeni was a prominent activist and member of the Black Panther Party, as well as an influential figure in her son’s life. Erivo’s casting adds another major name to the film, although the actress has yet to comment publicly on the announcement.

The production, titled Snoop, will star Jonathan Daviss as the legendary rapper, with Miles Bullock playing Dr Dre and Kamron Jones portraying Tupac. Other cast members include Lauren London as Snoop’s late mother, Beverly Tate, and Tre Hale as Suge Knight.

Directed by Craig Brewer, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 6 next year. Its screenplay was written by Joe Robert Cole, who co-wrote Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Snoop Dogg and Tupac shared a close friendship and collaborated on the track “2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted”. Their relationship later faced challenges amid the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, although they stayed friends.

Erivo also has another music biopic in development, with the actress set to portray legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba, popularly known as Mama Africa, in The Road Home.