“Hustle & Flow” director Craig Brewer is directing the Snoop Dogg biopic – starring Jonathan Daviss and rated R.
Universal Pictures is working on a film about the life of Snoop Dogg. The project was prominently presented at CinemaCon – including first insights into the cast and creative direction. Jonathan Daviss stars in the lead role and Craig Brewer directs. The film is scheduled for 2027.
Surprise appearance
Snoop Dogg opened the studio’s presentation with a surprise appearance, performing several of his hits, including “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin and Juice.” Accompanied by DJ Green Lantern, he created an unexpected concert moment as part of the film presentation.
In his speech, Snoop Dogg stated: “I wish I could give you more details.” At the same time, he confirmed that filming will begin in Los Angeles in the summer, although not all information has been finalized yet. He also made a comparison to other hip-hop films: “After my brothers were able to tell their story with ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ now it’s my time.”
He then made it clear in which direction the film should develop: “If we make a Snoop Dogg film, it has to be really gangster.” Immediately afterwards he led musically into an excerpt from “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang”. Snoop Dogg once again emphasized the tone of the project: “My film is guaranteed to have an R rating. So get your parents’ permission.”
He then introduced the actor who will play him in the planned biopic.
Jonathan Daviss as Snoop Dogg
Jonathan Daviss, known from the hit Netflix series “Outer Banks,” will portray Snoop Dogg. The actor has made a name for himself among younger audiences, particularly through his role as Pope Heyward, and is considered one of the up-and-coming TV stars of his generation. With the biopic he is about to take the biggest career step of his career to date.
Craig Brewer as director
The film will be directed by Craig Brewer, a filmmaker best known for his work in music and character drama. Brewer directed, among other things, the acclaimed hip-hop drama “Hustle & Flow” and the musical comedy “Dolemite Is My Name” with Eddie Murphy. His experience with musically influenced material is considered a central reason why Universal hired him for the Snoop Dogg biopic.
The rapper added about Brewer during his presentation: “My director Craig Brewer showed us in “Hustle & Flow” how hard it is for a pimp out there. And then last year he made us all sing along to ‘Sweet Caroline.’
The biopic is produced by Snoop Dogg himself, Brian Grazer and Sara Ramaker, among others. The project is the first project as part of the overall deal between Death Row Pictures and NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios.
Snoop Dogg: From underground to global star
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., better known as Snoop Dogg, was born in Long Beach, California in 1971 and is one of the most influential figures in the West Coast hip-hop scene. His breakthrough came in the early 1990s through his collaboration with Dr. Dre and the album “Doggystyle”. He quickly developed into a key figure in G-Funk and shaped the sound of an entire era.
Over the course of his career, Snoop Dogg transformed himself far beyond music into a pop culture icon: as an actor, entrepreneur, media figure and producer. With more than three decades in the music business, he is one of the most consistent figures in modern US entertainment. In addition to his musical career, his family environment and his personal development should also be the focus.
Universal, Studio Family and Donna Langley
His appearance in the context of Universal Pictures also caused a stir. He wore a conspicuous Universal chain and emphasized his affiliation with the studio family: “I have a trailer right on the studio lot – next to Spielberg. The neighborhood is completely going to hell here. The fire department has been there twice – but not because of fire, but because of smoke, baby.”
At the same moment he introduced Universal CCO Donna Langley and praised her with: “Long live the queen.” He then gave her an identical necklace as a symbolic gift.
Snoop Dogg signed off with a promise: “We’ll come back to CinemaCon next year with a trailer.”
