Snoop Dogg’s big-screen life story is coming along, with “Outer Banks” star Jonathan Daviss chosen to portray the hip-hop icon in Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated biographical film, according to Deadline. The 25-year-old Netflix actor has landed what could be his biggest role to date, stepping into the shoes of one of music’s most recognizable figures.
The announcement comes just days after Universal confirmed that Craig Brewer would helm the project, bringing together the director behind “Hustle & Flow” and “Coming 2 America” with the rising talent who portrayed Pope Heyward on the hit series “Outer Banks.”
Daviss will take on the role of Calvin Broadus Jr., chronicling the rapper’s journey from his early days entering the West Coast hip-hop scene to becoming the laid-back legend known worldwide. The film will explore how Snoop Doggy Dogg (he later dropped the middle name) brought his distinctive drawling delivery and sharp lyrics to Death Row Records, where he collaborated with Dr. Dre on his groundbreaking debut album “Doggystyle.”
From Houston Hometown Hero to Hollywood Rising Star
The casting choice represents a full-circle moment for Daviss, who grew up in the small town of Conroe, just north of Houston. His background reveals a multi-talented individual who balanced varsity football, debate competitions, and theatrical pursuits throughout high school, according to TMRW Magazine.
Daviss originally played cornerback and free safety on his high school football team, but acting was always his true passion. “I think I always wanted to be an actor just cause I was always into movies,” he explained in the outlet. His father’s love for cinema sparked his interest early, leading to his first audition at age eight through a Craigslist posting.
The Houston native’s breakout came through the film “Age of Summer” (originally titled “Kook”), where he learned to surf for a beach-centered storyline set in the late 80s and early 90s. This experience directly prepared him for “Outer Banks,” as casting directors could see he had already mastered the coastal lifestyle aesthetic.
Universal’s Latest Hip-Hop Legacy Project
This Snoop Dogg biopic represents Universal’s third major exploration of hip-hop’s foundational stories, following the success of Eminem’s “8 Mile” and “Straight Outta Compton,” which traced N.W.A’s rise to prominence in the gangsta rap and West Coast hip-hop scenes.
The film will be produced by Snoop Dogg himself, alongside Brian Grazer and Sara Ramaker, president of Death Row Pictures. This marks the inaugural project under Death Row Pictures’ comprehensive deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios, signaling the label’s expansion into motion picture production.
Snoop’s recent work with NBCUniversal includes several high-profile projects for the network. The 17-time Grammy-nominated artist became a standout personality during NBC’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where his appearances alongside Michael Phelps and other segments made him one of the event’s most memorable figures. He’s also returning to NBC’s “The Voice” this fall, reclaiming his red chair for Season 28.
For Daviss, this role represents a significant step up from his Netflix success. “Outer Banks” has been renewed for a fifth and final season, and he also appeared in the Netflix feature “Do Revenge” alongside Sophie Turner and Maya Hawke. His previous credits include “Edge of the World” and various smaller projects.
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