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A “definitive biopic” based on Snoop Dogg is officially in the works from Universal Pictures, and it looks like they have already cast the iconic rapper.
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According to an exclusive report from Mike Fleming Jr. of Deadline, Jonathan Daviss will be stepping into the shoes of Calvin Broadus Jr., AKA Snoop Doggy Dogg.
EXCLUSIVE: Jonathan Daviss is set to star as the venerable hip hop artist Snoop Dogg in the definitive biopic from Universal Pictures.
Best known for ‘Outer Banks,’ Daviss takes the lead role days after the studio set Craig Brewer to direct the film.
The film will be produced… pic.twitter.com/F9Lh7mBgKq
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) June 9, 2025
Daviss is most well-known for his time playing Pope Heyward in the Netflix teen drama series “Outer Banks.”
Daviss has also appeared in projects like “Deliverance Creek,” “Shattered Memories,” and the Netflix original film “Do Revenge.”
According to Fleming, the film takes a look at “how Calvin Broadus Jr. entered into the West Coast hip hop fray.” It will follow Snoop as he develops his iconic debut album “Doggystyle” with Dr. Dre at Death Row Records.
Additionally, the film will look at Snoop’s later life when he “broadened into other platforms” and “rubbed elbows” with Martha Stewart and Michael Phelps at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
The film is being directed by Craig Brewer, who has directed movies like “Hustle and Flow,” “Black Snake Moan,” “Dolemite is My Name,” and “Coming 2 America.”
The film will be produced by Snoop Dogg, Brian Grazer, and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker.
This will be Universal Pictures’ third film focusing on biographical tales of hip hop icons. The first was the Academy Award-winning film “8 Mile” starring Eminem, and the second was “Straight Outta Compton,” which looked at the formation and rise of N.W.A.
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This also marks the first movie that is part of Death Row Pictures’ multi-year deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios, which was announced on April 23, 2025.
“Audiences around the world love Snoop and connect with his unparalleled showmanship and artistry,” NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios Chairman Donna Langley said.
“Those of us lucky enough to be in his orbit also know his incredible business acumen, endlessly creative spirit and the unapologetic authenticity that he brings to every project. There’s only one Snoop, and we’re so excited for him to join our unbelievable roster of creative partners.”
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