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Snoop Dogg's Biopic Gets Boost From Michael Jackson Film — Melanin News | Melanin
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Snoop Dogg's Biopic Gets Boost From Michael Jackson FilmHip-Hop

Snoop Dogg's Biopic Gets Boost From Michael Jackson Film

1w ago

Long Beach rap icon Snoop Dogg has pulled back the curtain on a major inspiration for his long-anticipated biopic. The legendary artist revealed that an early, private screening of the upcoming Michael Jackson film, *Michael*, genuinely shifted his creative focus and energized the development of his own life story on screen.

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, shared his experience during an interview with Big Boy's Neighborhood, a conversation widely reported on May 23, 2026. He confessed that seeing the King of Pop's narrative unfold on film sparked something profound for him. This renewed momentum comes after years of discussions surrounding a film about his expansive career, which has spanned decades at the forefront of West Coast hip-hop.

Image related to Snoop Dogg's Biopic Gets Boost From Michael Jackson Film
Related image from the original report Source

The rapper's biopic, officially titled *Snoop*, was announced at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 15, 2026, with Universal Pictures set to produce and distribute. The film is targeted for a 2027 theatrical release and is confirmed to be R-rated. Snoop Dogg himself reportedly stated that if they're going to do a Snoop Dogg movie, he's "gotta get gangsta with it." Jonathan Daviss, known for his role in *Outer Banks*, has been cast to portray the legendary artist. The project boasts a high-profile team, including director Craig Brewer, who helmed *Hustle & Flow*, and screenwriter Joe Robert Cole, a co-writer of *Black Panther*. Brian Grazer, a producer on Eminem's 2002 biopic *8 Mile*, is also on board as a producer, with Snoop Dogg producing through his own Death Row Pictures.

The *Michael* film, which provided this creative jolt, covers Michael Jackson's early life, from his time with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, it stars Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role, alongside Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. Development for *Michael* began in November 2019, with Lionsgate Films announcing the project in February 2022. Jaafar Jackson was cast in January 2023, and principal photography took place between January and May 2024. A first look at the film was presented to theater owners at CinemaCon on April 10, 2024, ahead of its premiere in Berlin on April 10, 2026, and a United States release on April 24, 2026.

Reflecting on the *Michael* film, Snoop Dogg remarked, "When I seen the Michael Jackson movie, that was inspiring. Very inspiring, because it was great storytelling. The acting, the believability, and the nephew becoming Mike. Just, performances. All of that sh*t. It just was exciting to see. I put a spark in me." He further elaborated on the film's narrative impact, noting, "It gets you into a mode of storytelling. You look at the storytelling, you look at the characters, and you look at how much you know, and how much you didn't know." This observation appears to have significantly shaped his approach to his own life story, as he expressed a desire for objectivity. "I mean, I never looked at my highlights, so I don't really know what my life was," Snoop Dogg admitted. "I'm living life. So, if I see something, I hear it, I'm amused by it. Because it's like, 'Damn. I did that? That was me?' 'Cause I don't watch me. I'm too busy doing me."

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson Source

Snoop Dogg's career began in the early 1990s, where he quickly became a defining voice in West Coast hip-hop, helping to shape the G-funk and gangsta rap sound through collaborations with Dr. Dre and his iconic 1993 debut album, *Doggystyle*. His influence has since expanded into television, film, and various business ventures, notably including his acquisition of Death Row Records in 2022. The idea of a biopic has been a recurring topic, but the recent inspiration from the Michael Jackson film appears to have pushed the project into high gear.

The significance of this project extends beyond Snoop Dogg's personal story, fitting into a broader trend of successful music biopics in Hollywood. The 2015 film *Straight Outta Compton*, which chronicled the rise of N.W.A, set a high bar for hip-hop biopics. Snoop Dogg has explicitly connected his film to this legacy, reportedly stating, "After my brothers told their story in Straight Outta Compton, it's my turn." His direct involvement as a producer and his personal selection of Jonathan Daviss to portray him underscore a commitment to delivering an authentic and comprehensive account of his life and his undeniable impact on hip-hop and popular culture.

With a strong team assembled and Snoop Dogg deeply invested in ensuring an accurate portrayal, anticipation is building for *Snoop*. The film promises to offer fans a deep dive into the journey of one of music's most enduring figures, from his foundational years in Long Beach to his global superstardom and business acumen.