Snoop Dogg Joins Long Beach Boxing Drama

Snoop Dogg is heading back to the big screen, taking on a role in The Faith of Long Beach, a boxing drama that hits close to home. The rap legend, a Long Beach native, is set to star in and produce the film, which promises to explore deep themes of redemption and loyalty against the backdrop of his hometown.

The upcoming film, written and directed by Eric Amadio, centers on a soft-spoken street fighter raised in a Long Beach group home. This character finds himself at a crossroads, torn between a challenging past and the allure of a professional boxing career, aiming to follow in his estranged father's footsteps. Reports from May 20, 2026, confirm Snoop Dogg’s involvement, though the specific details of his character remain under wraps. He will appear opposite Brandon Perea, who was initially cast in 2022 as Romy Faith, the film’s central protagonist.

The project is a joint venture between Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Pictures and Everlast Pictures, with Snoop Dogg and Sara Ramaker producing for Death Row, and Adonis Tountas for Everlast. The casting journey for The Faith of Long Beach saw an earlier iteration, with rapper and actor Common reportedly attached in March 2022. Common, an acclaimed artist with multiple awards, was slated to play Clifton Battle, a boxing trainer with a complex past who saw a path to redemption through a promising young fighter. However, the reasons for Common's departure from the project have not been publicly disclosed.

Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, Snoop Dogg’s connection to the film’s setting is undeniable. The 54-year-old artist rose to prominence in the early 1990s, notably through collaborations with Dr. Dre, and quickly became a defining voice of West Coast hip-hop. His signature laid-back, drawled delivery and melodic flow, often paired with lyrics addressing social issues, cemented his status as a G-funk and gangsta rap pioneer.

Beyond his prolific music career, Snoop Dogg has built an extensive acting resume, making his film debut in 1994 with Murder Was the Case. His filmography boasts roles in notable productions such as Training Day, Starsky & Hutch, The Wash, and Dolemite Is My Name. More recently, he secured another significant acting gig in the upcoming film God of the Rodeo. His involvement in The Faith of Long Beach extends beyond acting; as the owner of Death Row Records, he’s also leveraging his Death Row Pictures banner to produce the project, emphasizing his commitment to storytelling.

Brandon Perea, born May 25, 1995, in Schaumburg, Illinois, and raised in Chicago, brings a rising star power to the cast. The American actor, also a professional jamskater of Filipino and Puerto Rican heritage, first gained significant attention for his role as Alfonso "French" Sosa in the Netflix mystery drama series The OA. His breakthrough performance as Angel Torres in Jordan Peele's 2022 science fiction horror film Nope earned him critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to steal scenes.

Eric Amadio, the creative force behind The Faith of Long Beach, is well-known for his work as the creator and executive producer of the FX series Snowfall, which offered a gritty look into the origins of the crack cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles. Amadio's directorial and writing credits also include films like Stuntmen and After Sex.

The creative team has voiced their enthusiasm for the project and its themes. Eric Amadio highlighted the film's deeper narrative, explaining, "As alluded to in the title, the film isn't simply a coming-of-age boxing picture, but also a story about faith -- having faith in yourself when nobody else has any, and faith in the people who refuse to give up on you." Amadio also praised his lead actors, stating, "With Brandon, I knew instantly I had my nuanced, complicated fighter. And with Snoop, I've got the authentic OG who's seen every version of that kid and still bets on him anyway. It's an honor to shine a long-overdue cinematic spotlight on the city and people of Long Beach."

Snoop Dogg himself shared his pride in the endeavor, remarking, "Death Row Pictures is proud to be a part of The Faith of Long Beach. This is the type of story that hits different - heart, grit, struggle and redemption all wrapped up in that Long Beach spirit. This one got soul." Producer Adonis Tountas of Everlast Pictures also lauded the collaboration, noting, "Partnering with Snoop and Sara on The Faith of Long Beach represents a truly special alignment of creative vision and cultural authenticity." Tountas further emphasized Snoop's deep ties, adding, "Snoop has long embodied the spirit, resilience, and heart of Long Beach, making him an essential voice in bringing this story to life. Eric has crafted a deeply moving screenplay, and with Brandon Perea's extraordinary talent, we have the opportunity to create a film that will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact."

This project carries significant weight, particularly due to Snoop Dogg's profound personal connection to Long Beach, the very soul of the film. The themes of overcoming adversity, finding redemption, and demonstrating loyalty resonate not only with the film's narrative but also with elements of Snoop Dogg’s own public journey and career trajectory. His dual role as an actor and a producer through Death Row Pictures underscores a commitment to crafting authentic stories that genuinely reflect the spirit and experiences of his community.

The boxing drama genre itself is a powerful vehicle for exploring universal human struggles, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a better life, making The Faith of Long Beach a potentially impactful cinematic offering. It represents an opportunity to bring a nuanced, local story to a wider audience with the backing of a cultural icon.

While the film was reported to be in pre-production as of 2024, the recent announcement of Snoop Dogg's casting in May 2026 signals renewed and active development. With a compelling narrative, a seasoned director, and a cast blending established talent with rising stars, The Faith of Long Beach is poised to deliver a gritty, heartfelt story that speaks to the resilience of its characters and the enduring spirit of its setting. All eyes will be on how this personal project for Snoop Dogg unfolds.