Snoop Dogg Joins Cast and Production Team for Oklahoma-Filmed 'God of the Rodeo'

The hip-hop legend will star in and produce the upcoming period drama alongside Shia LaBeouf, Ridley Scott, and Giannina Scott.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:40am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a weathered leather saddle, capturing the rugged, high-contrast textures and earthy tones of the American West in a dramatic, high-fashion style.The gritty, lived-in textures of the American rodeo provide a visual metaphor for the redemptive power at the heart of the upcoming film 'God of the Rodeo'.Boley Today

Grammy-nominated pop culture icon Snoop Dogg has joined the cast and production team for the upcoming period drama 'God of the Rodeo,' which is set to film this summer in Tulsa and the historic Black town of Boley, Oklahoma. Snoop will star in the film and produce it through his Death Row Pictures company, joining previously announced lead actor Shia LaBeouf as well as producers Ridley Scott and Giannina Scott.

Why it matters

The film is based on the acclaimed 1998 nonfiction book 'God of the Rodeo' by Daniel Bergner, which explores the redemptive power of an inmate rodeo held inside Louisiana's Angola Prison in the 1960s. Snoop's involvement as both a lead actor and producer brings significant star power and creative vision to the project, which aims to shed light on an important and little-known chapter of American history.

The details

Set in 1967 inside Angola Prison, the film centers on Buckkey, a hardened inmate serving a life sentence who finds a glimmer of redemption in the prison's first-ever inmate rodeo. As Buckkey and his fellow inmates prepare for the rodeo, they confront the reality that it is nothing more than a grueling fight for survival designed to satiate the public's bloodlust. Rosalind Ross is writing and directing the project, which will utilize the state film incentive as well as the new Tulsa Film Incentive.

  • The film is scheduled to shoot from June 15 to July 31, 2026 in Boley and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • The Boley Rodeo, the nation's oldest Black community-based rodeo, has been held annually in Boley since 1903.

The players

Snoop Dogg

Grammy-nominated pop culture icon who will star in and produce 'God of the Rodeo' through his Death Row Pictures company.

Shia LaBeouf

Embattled actor who was previously announced to star in the film.

Ridley Scott

Celebrated British filmmaker and four-time Oscar nominee who is producing the film through his Scott Free Productions.

Giannina (Facio) Scott

Actress-turned-producer who is producing 'God of the Rodeo' for Cara Films.

Rosalind Ross

Writer and director of 'God of the Rodeo.'

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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. 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

“Snoop Dogg is one of the most gifted and influential artists alive, with admirers and fans all over the world and from every generation transcending music, sports and culture. Ridley and I, with our companies Scott Free and Cara Films, are so excited and blessed to have Snoop join the cast, and for him, Sara and Death Row Pictures to partner with us to produce this important and soulful project from Rosalind Ross.”

— Giannina Scott, Producer

“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. Moreover, I'm deeply gratified by the kindred artistic spirit and conviction of cause that Snoop, Sara and Death Row Pictures have for this collaboration with myself, Giannina, Ridley, and the rest of our incredible producing team.”

— Rosalind Ross, Writer and Director

What’s next

Shia LaBeouf's involvement in the film remains uncertain, as he was recently ordered to return to rehab and submit to weekly drug tests following a Mardi Gras arrest in New Orleans. The production team will need to determine if LaBeouf will be able to participate as planned.

The takeaway

Snoop Dogg's attachment as both a lead actor and producer on 'God of the Rodeo' brings significant star power and creative vision to the project, which aims to shed light on an important and little-known chapter of American history through the redemptive power of an inmate rodeo. The film's production in Oklahoma, including the historic Black town of Boley, further highlights the state's growing reputation as an emerging hub for diverse and socially conscious storytelling.