A$AP Rocky set for film debut in coming-of-age story, Dope

New film Dope will mark the acting debut of A$AP Rocky as he takes on a supporting role as Dom, a character the main protagonist Malcolm befriends on his way to studying at Harvard University.

The A$AP Mob leader reportedly landed the role by helping his partner Chanel Iman practice lines for the film auditions. According to Entertainment Weekly, director Rick Famuyiwa spotted his “natural charisma and ability” and handed him the part.

Pharrell Williams has also written four tracks for the film’s soundtrack that a fictional garage band perform. In the same interview, Famuyiwa explained that, “it was exhilarating to sit there in the studio with Pharrell as he composed this music. I’d tell him about Malcolm and then he’d disappear to his magic lair, or wherever he goes, and then he’d have a song about it and it’d be amazing.”

The film also features appearances from Odd Future members Vince Staples and Casey Veggies, as well as Zoe Kravitz, Quincy Brown and Tyga. Completing the castlist are Forest Whitaker, Tony Revolori, Rick Fox, Blake Anderson and Keith Stanfield.

The forthcoming film, which centres a hip-hop obsessed music fan from Inglewood, California, will have its premiere at Sundance Festival this week.

Check out the trailer for Dope below.