Snoop Dogg Biopic Gets ‘Hustle & Flow’ Director at Universal

Universal Pictures has enlisted filmmaker Craig Brewer to helm what the studio envisions as the ultimate biographical film chronicling Snoop Dogg‘s evolution from rap superstar to entertainment industry titan. The director, known for his music-centric films including “Hustle & Flow” and “Dolomite is My Name,” will revise a screenplay previously crafted by Joe Robert Cole, according to Deadline.

The highly anticipated project represents the inaugural venture under Death Row Pictures’ comprehensive partnership with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of the legendary Death Row Records brand, transitioning from its musical roots into innovative cinematic storytelling.

Snoop Dogg himself will serve as producer alongside Brian Grazer and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development, Ryan Jones, will provide studio oversight for the ambitious biographical project, according to Deadline.

The film builds upon Universal’s proven track record in hip-hop cinema, following the success of “Straight Outta Compton,” which earned over $200 million worldwide and received an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay. The studio also achieved remarkable success with “8 Mile,” starring Eminem, which grossed $250 million and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Expanding Death Row’s Entertainment Empire

This biopic launch coincides with Death Row Pictures’ strategic evolution beyond its musical foundation into comprehensive entertainment production. The expansion represents a natural progression for the iconic brand that originally launched Snoop Dogg’s career and continues to influence popular culture decades later.

Brewer has demonstrated expertise in crafting compelling narratives centered on musical artists and cultural movements. His recent work includes “Song Sung Blue” for Focus Features, scheduled for domestic release on December 25, 2025.

The legendary rapper boasts seventeen Grammy nominations while establishing himself as a multimedia entertainment powerhouse across both large and small screens. His inaugural studio release, Doggystyle, was launched in 1993 through Death Row Records, with Dr. Dre serving as executive producer. The album generated chart-topping tracks, including “What’s My Name?” and “Gin and Juice.”

The biographical film will explore Snoop Dogg’s transformation from West Coast rapper to global entertainment mogul, encompassing his musical achievements, business ventures, and cultural impact spanning multiple decades.

Snoop’s Continued NBC Partnership

Beyond the upcoming biopic, Snoop Dogg maintains an expanding relationship with NBCUniversal across multiple platforms and projects. The entertainment icon will return to NBC’s Emmy-winning competition series “The Voice” this fall, reclaiming his coaching position for Season 28.

His partnership with the network gained significant momentum following his breakout performance during NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where his infectious personality and commentary entertained audiences worldwide. This success has opened doors for additional cross-portfolio opportunities within the NBCUniversal ecosystem.