After a search that has lasted for almost an entire year, Paramount has found its Bob Marley. Paramount‘s Bob Marley biopic will star Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary Reggae musician and all-around icon. King Richard helmer Reinaldo Marcus Green directs, with Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, and Cedella Marley producing on behalf of Tuff Gong. Robert Teitel also serves as a producer.
Bob Marley died of cancer in 1981 at age 36, but his music and overall vibes changed the landscape of music as we know it. He’s singlehandedly responsible for introducing generations to Reggae, thanks to songs like “Get Up, Stand Up,” “One Love,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Jammin’”, and “Redemption Song.”
Kingsley Ben-Adir beat out dozens of actors for the coveted part in the Bob Marley biopic. Like several others, Ben-Adir tested several times for the role, and ultimately won the prize. Ben-Adir made a big splash when he starred in Netflix’s The OA, but it was his role as a young Malcolm X in Regina King’s One Night in Miami that truly made him a star to watch. In addition to his role as President Barack Obama in Showtime’s The Comey Rule, Ben-Adir is set to join the Marvel Universe for Secret Invasion. Ben-Adir’s villainous role in Secret Invasion has yet to be revealed. Samuel L. Jackson, Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke, Cobie Smulders, Ben Mendelsohn, Christopher McDonald, and Carmen Ejogo will also star in the upcoming 6-episode Marvel series.
Ben-Adir did great work in King’s One Night in Miami, so it’s no surprise how he earned his way to this huge role. What do you think about Ben-Adir playing the Reggae King for Paramount’s Bob Marley biopic? Do you have a favorite Bob Marley track? If you do, let us know what it is in the comments section below.