By Richard Johnson—-
Bob Marley
Members of Bob Marley’s family could make it onto the big screen in his biopic, now in pre-production.
This was disclosed by the reggae icon’s daughter Cedella, who told the Jamaica Observer that she was very excited that casting for the Jamaican roles are underway.
“There is a strong possibility of our family members popping up everywhere once we get going. This biopic is a Jamaican story; it means everything to us. I’m beyond excited for this casting, especially because one thing I know for sure is my country has some raw, untapped talent just waiting for the right moment. I want to say to them: ‘We know you’re out there and we’re knocking for you to come in and blow us away’,” she shared.
There is no official word on when production for the feature film, directed by American Reinaldo Marcus Green, will begin.
Seven major characters are being sought in Jamaica, along with a number of extras and musicians.
A statement from Tuff Gong International indicated a Jamaican casting director had been retained and that the talent being sought includes: a boy aged 5-8; a boy aged 9-12; a girl aged 7-10; and, another girl aged 11-13 years.
Producers are also seeking a “strong female lead” who must be black, in her late 20s/early 30s and must be able to sing. Two young, “mixed-race boys aged 8-13 and 14-25” are also being scouted. These candidates must be able to sing and play football.
Early this year, it was announced that English actor Kingsley Ben-Adir had been cast to play the reggae king who died in May 1981 at age 36. Like Marley, 35-year-old Ben-Adir has biracial parents; his mother is a black Trinidadian, while his father is a white Englishman.
Cedella, Marley’s widow Rita and sons Ziggy and Stephen are producers on the project which is being helmed by Paramount Pictures.
There is no tally yet on the number of Jamaicans to be hired when production gets underway but Cedella noted, “We’ll be shooting in Jamaica, so it’s very important to us to hire Jamaicans to work on the production.”
She added that her family is wholeheartedly invested in the project.
“We view this project as a continuation of the tremendous and unending mission of sharing our father’s commitment to the truth and to spreading love and oneness as he did during his time with us, and we’re very excited to be in this phase,” said Cedella.
Addressing the Jamaican casting session, she said it was crucial to the film’s success.
“As much as Bob Marley is a global icon with a universal message, his roots are entrenched in Jamaica. His connection to Jamaica, beginning as a young boy in the hills of St Ann, remains an inspiration and a dream. We are devoting our attention to ensuring it is authentic with significant Jamaican participation,” Cedella noted.
The reggae icon’s eldest son Ziggy is looking forward to the start of production.
“I remember my father as a man of love and peace, above all else. We are humbled that the world continues to value him in the way that this movie will portray. The film allows his works to reach new generations and should be seen as offering the world fresh hope in what has been a bleak period. I am happy that our Jamaican brothers and sisters similarly embrace this project,” he said.
The film’s director comes into the project with biopic experience. He is the director of King Richard, which traces the life of Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams. The film recently won Will Smith the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
In deciding to become producers, the Marley family was often confronted by the personal nature of the story, but Cedella insists it is necessary.
“There are moments where it naturally feels more raw because in every way it is personal. It’s why we have to get it right, from beginning to end. If it’s not, it won’t happen. That’s how serious we are about conveying the story in its authenticity,” she said.
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