Jonathan Daviss Cast as Snoop Dogg in Upcoming Biopic – Here’s Why This Move Could Be Genius

Universal Pictures just made a bold casting move that’s turning heads across Hollywood. Jonathan Daviss, best known for his role as Pope in Outer Banks, has officially been cast to play a young Snoop Dogg in the rap legend’s upcoming biopic — and this one’s going to be big.

From Pogues to Tha Doggfather

Daviss, 25, rose to fame as a fan favorite on the Netflix hit series Outer Banks, which is now gearing up for its fifth and final season. He also starred in the teen revenge flick Do Revenge, but this new role is on a whole other level. In Universal’s upcoming biographical film, he’ll be stepping into the sneakers of Calvin Broadus Jr., better known to the world as Snoop Dogg — one of the most iconic and influential rappers in history.

While Daviss has no known rap background, his ability to capture emotional depth and on-screen charisma could be the secret weapon this movie needs. Early buzz suggests the studio was looking for a Black male actor aged 18–25 with the ability to embody Snoop's raw energy in his early years. Daviss apparently fit the bill.

The Team Behind the Camera

The film is being helmed by Craig Brewer, a director well-known for his work on Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name. Brewer is revising the original screenplay written by Joe Robert Cole, who co-wrote Black Panther and has serious storytelling chops when it comes to complex Black icons.

According to Deadline, producing the film are Snoop Dogg himself, legendary producer Brian Grazer, and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. The movie is the first to be developed under Death Row Pictures’ new overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios — a strategic move that shows this isn’t just another celeb biopic. It’s a calculated power play.

What the Movie Will Cover

The untitled film will trace Snoop’s early life in Long Beach, his time with Dr. Dre, and the rise of Death Row Records— a journey marked by controversy, criminal charges, and eventual reinvention.

In other words: this isn’t just about the music. It’s about the man behind the fame, the transformation from Calvin Broadus Jr. to a cultural icon with decades of staying power.

The film is expected to dig into his 1993 debut album, Doggystyle, which was produced entirely by Dr. Dre and spawned hits like “What’s My Name?” and “Gin and Juice.” Expect heavy nostalgia, West Coast flavor, and deep insight into a time when gangsta rap was reshaping the music industry — and mainstream America.

Music Biopics Are Booming

This announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. Music biopics are huge right now. Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love crushed at the box office earlier this year. Searchlight’s Bob Dylan film A Complete Unknown (starring Timothée Chalamet) landed eight Oscar nominations.

Sony also announced a four-part Beatles biopic series due in 2028, and the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere is dropping this fall.

Hollywood has clearly realized that audiences are hungry for well-made films about real musical legends — and Snoop Dogg’s story is one of the richest out there.

Why Jonathan Daviss Is a Smart Choice

Let’s be real — casting Snoop is no small task. You need someone who can balance charisma, grit, and humor, with enough acting muscle to make it believable. While Daviss doesn’t come from a music background, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Actors like Austin Butler (Elvis) and Taron Egerton (Rocketman) didn’t start as musicians, either — and they turned in award-worthy performances. If Daviss can channel Snoop’s swagger, struggle, and storytelling, this could be his breakout into true A-list territory.

What’s Next for the Project

Filming is expected to begin late 2025, with a tentative release window in 2026. Universal’s Ryan Jones, senior VP of production and development, is overseeing the project on the studio side.

This won’t just be a film for Snoop fans — it’s shaping up to be a major cultural moment, touching on hip-hop history, race, survival, and legacy.

Final Thoughts

Universal is betting big on the Snoop Dogg biopic, and casting Jonathan Daviss might be a surprise move — but it’s a smart one. With Brewer directing and Snoop himself in the producer’s chair, this movie is poised to do more than entertain — it could define the next wave of music-driven cinema.

Stay tuned for more updates as casting and production unfolds.

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