Cynthia Erivo joins Snoop Dogg biopic as mother of this legend

Cynthia Erivo has joined the cast of Snoop, the upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, where she will play Afeni Shakur, the mother of Tupac Shakur.

The film is directed by Craig Brewer, with Outer Banks star Jonathan Daviss taking the title role as the rap icon.

Afeni Shakur is described as a fascinating figure in her own right. 

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A former Black Panther activist, she had a profound impact on her son, the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Her life was explored in the recent FX documentary Dear Mama, which has helped keep her story in the spotlight.

The casting continues a run of real-life roles for Erivo. 

She has recently played Aretha Franklin and Harriet Tubman in biopics, and she starred in both Wicked films, a part that has made her one of the best-known performers on screen today.

Erivo is now in demand for stories rooted in real history, and the role of Afeni brings together two major figures in hip-hop’s story. 

Afeni’s relationship with Tupac is central to how many fans understand him, and her inclusion suggests the film will touch on the wider world around Snoop Dogg’s rise.

The film’s other cast members, writer and production timeline have not yet been detailed.

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