Craig Brewer has been appointed by Universal Pictures to direct what is expected to be the definitive biopic of Snoop Dogg, charting his journey from a hip hop sensation to a respected entertainment mogul. Brewer will revise a script initially crafted by Joe Robert Cole, and the film will be produced by Snoop Dogg himself, alongside Brian Grazer and Sara Ramaker, the president of Death Row Pictures. Ryan Jones, the SVP of Production Development, will supervise the project for the studio.
Brewer is known for his work on impactful music-driven films like “Hustle & Flow” and “Dolomite is My Name.” His upcoming film, “Song Sung Blue,” produced for Universal’s specialty division Focus Features, is set for domestic release on December 25, 2025.
The Snoop Dogg biopic marks the inception of Death Row Pictures’ collaboration with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios, marking a significant shift from its roots in music to a broader narrative landscape. This evolution signifies the brand’s expansion and aims to create innovative storytelling opportunities beyond music.
Universal has a successful history in the hip hop genre, as seen with projects like “Straight Outta Compton,” directed by F. Gary Gray, which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay and grossed over $200 million. Prior to that, the film “8 Mile,” starring Eminem and produced by Grazer, amassed $250 million and won an Oscar for its original song “Lose Yourself.”
As the first project from Death Row’s ambitious upcoming slate, this biopic is set against Snoop’s return to NBC’s musical competition series, “The Voice,” for its 28th season. Snoop Dogg has maintained a strong partnership with NBCUniversal, particularly highlighted during his prominent role in NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
This film not only showcases Snoop Dogg’s incredible journey but also illustrates the growing intertwining of music and film industries, highlighting the potential for innovative projects that resonate with audiences across multiple platforms.