Jonathan Daviss Cast as Snoop Dogg in Upcoming Biopic: A New Chapter for Hip-Hop Cinema

The story of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures is heading to the big screen, and the project just secured its leading man. Jonathan Daviss, best known for his role as Pope in the Netflix series Outer Banks, has been cast to portray Snoop Dogg in the upcoming biographical film about the West Coast legend’s life. The casting marks a major step forward for the project, which has been in development since late 2022.

Produced by Universal Pictures and Snoop’s own Death Row Pictures, the biopic aims to be a definitive look at the life and legacy of Calvin Broadus Jr.—from his rise as a Long Beach teen to becoming a global rap icon.

Jonathan Daviss’s casting caught many by surprise. Though not yet a major film star, his performances in Outer Banks showcased a range and intensity that made him stand out to the creative team. According to sources close to the production, Snoop Dogg himself played a key role in choosing Daviss for the part.

In a statement, Snoop explained, “I didn’t want someone to just imitate me. I wanted someone who could carry the weight of the story—someone who could make you feel what I felt growing up. Jonathan’s got that.”

Early preparation footage reportedly shows Daviss working with dialect coaches and studying Snoop’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and music catalogue. The production is placing a heavy emphasis on authenticity, with Snoop deeply involved as a producer and creative consultant.

The film will be directed by Craig Brewer, best known for Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name, both of which were praised for their portrayal of music culture and character-driven storytelling. The screenplay is being written by Joe Robert Cole, co-writer of Black Panther and Creed II. Together, this team brings serious narrative and cultural weight to a story that spans decades and generations.

This isn’t just a story about fame. According to early reports, the film will cover key chapters in Snoop’s life: his early years in Long Beach, his discovery by Dr. Dre, the release of Doggystyle, the drama surrounding Death Row Records, his infamous murder trial, and his later reinventions through music, business, and pop culture.

What sets this biopic apart is its scope. Snoop Dogg’s career has evolved far beyond music—he's become a businessman, media personality, activist, and cultural fixture. The film intends to reflect that evolution while remaining grounded in the raw reality of his early life and career.

Unlike most biopics that rely on outside interpretation, this one is being shaped with Snoop’s full participation. This ensures that the story won’t shy away from controversy or complexity. From gang culture to courtroom battles, from studio sessions with Tupac to TV shows with Martha Stewart—nothing is off the table.

The success of films like Straight Outta Compton, Notorious, and series like Wu-Tang: An American Saga has proven the appetite for hip-hop stories told with depth and authenticity. But the Snoop Dogg film is unique—it’s the first major biopic produced and co-owned by the artist it portrays.

This gives the project an edge: creative freedom combined with first-hand truth. It’s not just a tribute to a career—it’s an autobiographical legacy, built for screens worldwide.

Filming is set to begin later this year, with a release date expected in 2026. Details about the rest of the cast remain under wraps, but casting announcements for pivotal roles like Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, and Tupac are expected soon. The soundtrack is rumored to include unreleased material and possible collaborations with producers like DJ Battlecat, The Neptunes, and Dr. Dre.

For fans, it’s more than just a movie—it’s a time capsule. A document of West Coast rap history, of American culture, and of how one man reshaped what it means to be a hip-hop artist.

Snoop Dogg’s story is finally being told on his own terms. And if early signs are any indication, it won’t just be a great hip-hop film—it might become one of the most important music biopics of the decade.

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Image: Snoop Dogg performing at Hovefestivalen 2012 by Jørund Føreland Pedersen is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Jonathan Daviss Titans 2021 by Tennessee Titans is licensed under CC BY 3.0