The world is buzzing with the news that Jonathan Daviss, best known for his role as Pope Heyward in the hit Netflix series Outer Banks, has been cast to play Snoop Dogg in the upcoming Universal Pictures biopic. The film will chronicle the life and career of Calvin Broadus Jr., from his teenage years in Long Beach to his rise as a West Coast hip-hop icon. The announcement marks a major breakthrough role for the young actor and has already received the seal of approval from Snoop Dogg himself.
The biopic is being directed by Craig Brewer, known for his work on films like Hustle & Flow, Dolemite Is My Name, and Coming 2 America. Brewer also co-wrote the script with Joe Robert Cole, who is known for his work on Black Panther. The film will be produced by Snoop Dogg, Brian Grazer, and Sara Ramaker under the Death Row Pictures banner. This project signifies a new partnership between Death Row Pictures and NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios, signaling the record label's expansion into film and visual media.
Snoop Dogg has expressed his excitement about the film, emphasizing that it will be an "evolution story" about his life, family, and the lessons he learned along the way. He highlighted the importance of love and family in overcoming challenges, stating that the film will showcase what family is all about and the roots of love, especially the love he learned from his mother. Snoop Dogg believes the biopic will reveal a side of him that many people don't see, focusing on his journey and the people who shaped him into the person he is today.
Daviss has also shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating that the most exciting part is yet to come, as filming hasn't started. He expressed his eagerness to delve into the character of Snoop Dogg, particularly focusing on his loving nature and why people are drawn to him. Daviss aims to explore who Snoop Dogg is as a person, beyond the iconic persona.
The biopic will explore Snoop Dogg's early days with Death Row Records, his breakthrough success with the Dr. Dre-produced album Doggystyle, and his evolution into a pop culture mainstay. Music from Snoop Dogg's extensive catalog will be a key part of the film's storytelling, providing an authentic soundtrack to the rapper's journey. Universal aims to capture the full arc of Snoop Dogg's career, highlighting his influence on West Coast rap.
This isn't the first time Universal has tackled the stories of hip-hop legends. The studio previously released 8 Mile, a film about Eminem, and Straight Outta Compton, which chronicled the rise of N.W.A. LaKeith Stanfield portrayed Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton. The Snoop Dogg biopic is scheduled to be released on Christmas Day.
Snoop Dogg also took to Instagram to share his excitement, posting about Daviss's casting with the caption "it's time." The post included the message "let's go nefew!!" showing his support and anticipation for the project.
With a talented director, a strong script, and the full support of Snoop Dogg himself, the biopic promises to be a comprehensive and compelling look at the life of one of hip-hop's most iconic figures.
