Jonathan Daviss is making a big move from Outer Banks to Hollywood. The actor has been cast to star as rap legend Snoop Dogg in a new biopic produced by Universal Pictures.
Snoop Dogg is personally involved in the project as a producer. The studio describes the film as the “definitive biopic” about the rapper and entertainment icon. He is producing it alongside Brian Grazer and Sara Ramaker, president of Death Row Pictures. This film is the first project under Death Row Pictures’ new overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios. Craig Brewer, known for directing Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name, will direct the movie. Brewer will also revise the screenplay, originally written by Joe Robert Cole, who co-wrote both Black Panther films.
Jonathan Daviss is best known for his role as Pope in the Netflix series Outer Banks, which is currently set to conclude with its fifth season. He also appeared in Netflix’s teen black comedy Do Revenge, alongside Maya Hawke, Camila Mendes, Sophie Turner, and Austin Abrams. Daviss has acted in films such as Age of Summer and Edge of the World. A native of Houston, Texas, he now lives in Los Angeles. His talent agencies include Monster Talent, Innovative Artists, and Skrzyniarz & Mallean.
The biopic was first announced in 2022. Universal’s head Donna Langley led the deal for the life and music rights of Snoop Dogg. Langley praised the rapper’s influence, saying, “Snoop Dogg’s life and legacy make him one of the most exciting and influential icons in popular culture.” She added that meeting Snoop soon after he acquired Death Row Records and hearing his story firsthand was a privilege. Langley said the studio is honored to create a lasting tribute to the artist.
This film follows other successful music biopics by Universal. These include 8 Mile (2002), starring Eminem, which grossed $250 million and won an Academy Award for the song “Lose Yourself.” Another is Straight Outta Compton (2015), which tells the story of rap group N.W.A. Snoop Dogg appeared in that film, played by LaKeith Stanfield. The movie earned over $200 million and was nominated for an Oscar for best original screenplay.
Universal’s senior vice president of production development, Ryan Jones, and development director Tony Ducret will oversee the Snoop Dogg biopic project.
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