Tre Hale Cast as Suge Knight in Universal's Snoop Dogg Biopic
Tre Hale has been cast as Suge Knight in Universal Pictures' upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, joining a growing ensemble that includes Jonathan Daviss as Snoop Dogg and Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film is set to begin production in mid-September 2026 and release on August 6, 2027. The project, produced by Imagine Entertainment and Death Row Pictures, marks the first major release under Death Row Pictures' deal with NBCUniversal.
Key points
- Tre Hale, known for Netflix's 'Nemesis' and AppleTV+'s 'Platonic,' will portray Suge Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records.
- The film features Jonathan Daviss as Snoop Dogg, Myles Bullock Be as Dr. Dre, and Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur.
- Lauren London has been cast as Snoop Dogg's mother, Beverly Tate, a role that reconnects her with the rapper after appearing in his early 2000s music videos.
- Craig Brewer is directing a rewrite of Joe Robert Cole's original script, with production starting in mid-September 2026 in Los Angeles.
- Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the biopic on August 6, 2027, incorporating music from Snoop Dogg's catalog.
Background
This casting announcement follows a series of recent additions to the Snoop Dogg biopic, including roles for Warren G, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg. The project is the first under Death Row Pictures' overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment, expanding the legacy of the historic record label into film production. Previous coverage confirmed the involvement of Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum as producers, alongside Snoop Dogg and Sara Ramaker.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the casting of Tre Hale as Suge Knight, highlighting his recent work in 'Nemesis' and 'Empire City.' Deadline focuses on the casting of Lauren London as Beverly Tate, noting the personal connection between London and Snoop Dogg from their early 2000s collaborations. Variety and Complex corroborate the casting of Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur and Lauren London as Beverly Tate, with Variety noting Jones's background in Shakespearean training and Complex detailing London's previous appearances in Snoop Dogg's music videos. All sources agree on the release date of August 6, 2027, and the involvement of Craig Brewer as director.
Why it matters
The casting of Tre Hale as Suge Knight adds a significant layer of authenticity to the biopic, given Knight's controversial and influential role in 1990s hip-hop. The film's production, backed by major studios and the original Death Row Records brand, signals a major push to capitalize on the legacy of West Coast hip-hop, following the success of 'Straight Outta Compton.' The inclusion of music from Snoop Dogg's catalog and the involvement of key figures from the Death Row era suggest a comprehensive and commercially ambitious project.
What to watch
Production is set to begin in mid-September 2026 in and around Los Angeles. The film is scheduled for release on August 6, 2027. Further casting announcements may follow as the production moves forward, with the project being the first under Death Row Pictures' deal with NBCUniversal.
- Snoop Dogg Biopic Finds Its Suge Knight in Tre Hale (Exclusive) The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Snoop’ Movie Taps Lauren London To Play Rap Star’s Mom In Universal Biopic Deadline
- Universal’s Snoop Dogg Biopic Adds Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur Variety
- Lauren London Joins 'Snoop' Biopic as the Rapper's Mother Beverly Tate Complex
- ‘Snoop’ Biopic At Universal Adds Laya DeLeon Hayes, Olly Sholotan, Corey Champagne And Jonica Booth To Cast IMDb
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Hollywood Reporter