Snoop Dogg to Star in True Crime Thriller 'God of the Rodeo'

The rapper will also produce the film based on the brutal backdrop of Louisiana's Angola Prison in 1967.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 4:30pm

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Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is set to star in the true crime thriller "God of the Rodeo" from filmmaker Rosalind Ross. Snoop will also produce the film with his Death Row Pictures partner Sara Ramaker, along with Giannina Scott for Cara Films and Ridley Scott for Scott Free Productions. The film is based on reporting by Daniel Bergner and is set against the brutal backdrop of Louisiana's Angola Prison in 1967, following an inmate named Buckkey who finds a glimmer of redemption in the prison's first inmate rodeo.

Why it matters

Snoop Dogg's involvement in this project as both a lead actor and producer highlights his continued versatility and influence in the entertainment industry, branching out from his iconic music career into dramatic film roles. The true crime setting and themes of redemption and power dynamics within the prison system also make this an intriguing project that could shed light on important social issues.

The details

Snoop Dogg will portray a lead role in "God of the Rodeo", which is based on reporting by Daniel Bergner. The film follows an inmate named Buckkey serving a life sentence at Angola Prison in Louisiana in 1967, who finds a glimmer of hope in the prison's first inmate rodeo. However, the rodeo is revealed to be less of an opportunity and more of a "grueling fight for survival designed to satiate the public's" desire for bloodshed and the warden's sense of power.

  • The film is set in 1967 at Angola Prison in Louisiana.

The players

Snoop Dogg

An American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, television personality, entrepreneur, and actor who has had a prolific career spanning over three decades.

Rosalind Ross

The filmmaker who is writing and directing "God of the Rodeo".

Sara Ramaker

Snoop Dogg's business partner at Death Row Pictures, who will produce the film.

Giannina Scott

The producer for Cara Films who is also producing "God of the Rodeo" alongside Ridley Scott.

Ridley Scott

The acclaimed filmmaker who is producing the film through his production company Scott Free Productions.

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What they’re saying

“Linking up with Scott Free Productions and working with Ridley Scott and Giannina Scott on God of the Rodeo is life changing and an honor. Rosalind Ross brought a story with heart and grit, and that's what I'm about. Me and the team at Death Row Pictures stepping in as producers, I'm acting in it, and Death Row Records is building the soundtrack—and this one got soul. ... We're bringing an important story and something special to the screen.”

— Snoop Dogg

“It's a thrill and an honor as a filmmaker to bring the legendary swagger, soul and eccentricity of Snoop to this story in what will be a completely transformative role for him.”

— Rosalind Ross, Filmmaker

“Excited and blessed to have Snoop join the cast. He's one of the most gifted and influential artists alive.”

— Giannina Scott, Producer

What’s next

The film is currently in production, with no set release date announced yet.

The takeaway

Snoop Dogg's involvement in this gritty true crime drama showcases his continued versatility as an artist and his ability to take on challenging dramatic roles, while also highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit as a producer. The film's themes of redemption and power dynamics within the prison system also have the potential to shed light on important social issues.