Kingsley Ben-Adir to play Bob Marley in upcoming biopic
A film about Bob Marley is currently in the works
In recent years, several musicians have had biopic films made about their incredible lives and music careers. A film about the legendary Bob Marley is in the making, with an exciting announcement now revealing that Kingsley Ben-Adir will portray the music legend in the story about his life.
So far, we have gotten a better look into the lives of Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody, Elton John in Rocketman, and Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, as key moments from their career were reenacted on the big screen. There are several other films coming in the next few years about some iconic musicians including Cher, The Bee Gees and Ronnie Spector.
Often called the pioneer of reggae music, Bob Marley rose to fame as part of The Wailers group before going solo in 1974. He sadly died of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981, but his legacy has continued on. Some of his most well-known songs include 'Jammin', 'Redemption Song', 'Get Up, Stand Up' and 'Buffalo Soldier'.
The exact plot of the upcoming Bob Marley film hasn't been shared yet, but the story will revolve around the reggae legend's life and career. In 2012, a documentary about his life called Marley was released with footage of the musician and interviews with those who knew him, but this new film will be a reenactment of his life.
Although a release date hasn't been announced for the film, it has now been revealed that British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir will play Bob Marley in the biopic. Kingsley has previously appeared in the hit TV shows The OA and Peaky Blinders and also appeared in the film One Night in Miami. This announcement comes after a year-long search to find the right actor to portray the music icon.
The film has the full support of Bob Marley's family, with his wife Rita Marley and his children Ziggy Marley and Cedella Marley producing on behalf of his record label Tuff Gong.
Take a look at these amazing films about musicians:
Tony Wilson (Factory Records) - 24 Hour Party People (2002)
Released in 2002, 24 Hour Party People depicts the story of the Manchester music scene from 1976 to 1992 and the revolutionary independent record label Factory Records. The film begins with the explosion of Punk Rock in the late 1970s, it then moves through the 1980s and into the 'Madchester' rave scene of the 1990s revolving around the famous Haçienda nightclub.
The main character is Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. The film dramatises events that actually happened, rumours and urban legends surrounding the scene, with characters often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the viewer. It features the careers of bands including the Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order and A Certain Ratio.
Watch the trailer.
Johnny Cash - Walk The Line (2005)
Walk The Line tells the life story of legendary American Country singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. It is based on two of his autobiographies, Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words (1975), and Cash: The Autobiography (1997).
It follows the story from his early life, romance with musician June Carter and his ascent into the domination of the Country music genre. The film was released in November 2005 and stars Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix.
Watch the trailer.
Joy Division - Control (2007)
Control, starring Samantha Morton, Sam Riley and Alexandra Maria Lara follows the late singer Ian Curtis and Joy Division. Starting in 1975, the film begins with teenagers Ian Curtis (Sam Riley) and Debbie Woodruff (Samantha Morton) marrying, before they attend a Sex Pistols concert a year later with some friends who are starting a band.
Eventually after a name change, Joy Division is formed, releasing many iconic hits in the 70s and 80s. The film follows the band in their early years, until the sad death of Ian, after the breakdown of his marriage to Debbie.
Watch the trailer.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The film Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 2018 and tells the story of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury from his humble beginnings to one of the biggest stars in the world. The film culminates at the legendary Live Aid gig at Wembley Stadium in 1985.
The film became a huge success and increased the popularity of Queen. It was nominated for numerous awards and the production won four times at the 91st Academy Awards including Best Actor for Rami Malek portrayal of Freddie, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Watch the trailer.
Elton John - Rocketman (2019)
The hugely popular Elton John biopic Rocketman was released in May 2019, following the singer's life from his early years through until the 1980s. Elton wrote a brand new song, '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', for the film, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
It starred Taron Egerton as Elton and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. Elton's husband David was a co-producer on the film, which also won Taron a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Watch the trailer.
Alan McGee (Creation Records) - Creation Stories (2021)
Released in 2021, Creation Stories tells the story of Alan McGee the founder of Creation Records. The film was adapted by screenwriter Irvine Welsh from the Creation boss' 2013 autobiography of the same name.
Alan McGee founded the independent Creation Records label in 1983 and worked with iconic bands including Primal Scream, The Boo Radleys, The Jesus and Mary Chain and perhaps most famously signed Oasis at their gig in Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in 1993.
Watch the trailer.
Aretha Franklin - Respect (2021)
Respect is a music biopic released in 2021 about the life of one of the greatest American singers and civil rights activists, Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, portrayed the 'Respect' singer in the film.
Forest Whitaker also starred in the film as C. L. Franklin, Aretha's father, with Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Aretha's husband and manager.
Watch the trailer.
Elvis Presley - Elvis (2022)
As the name suggests, Elvis is a biopic about Elvis Presley. The film follows Elvis (Austin Butler) from his humble beginnings and his Mississippi roots as he becomes a rock and roll icon. Meanwhile his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) guides and controls his fame. The film was released on 24th June 2022 and directed Baz Luhrmann.
Other roles in the biopic are played by Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla Presley), award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (Elvis' mother Gladys), Richard Roxburgh (Elvis' father, Vernon), and Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery (TV director Steve Binder).
Watch the trailer.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a film about the incredible life and career of singer and actress Whitney Houston. It was released in December 2022 and stars actress Naomi Ackie as Whitney.
Back in 2021, Naomi spoke to ET about taking on the role, saying: "I'm going to try my best because that woman - it sends shivers down my spine how much she means to me, the world, Black women, African American women. I'm going to throw my everything into making sure she is represented properly.
"I just want to tell her story. And I think when I'm able to simplify it down to that, I'll be able to handle the pressure."
Watch the trailer.
Bob Marley - One Love (2024)
One Love, the biopic about Bob Marley, was released in February 2024. It is a film about the life and career of the reggae legend, with actor Kingsley Ben-Adir playing the lead role in the biopic. A synopsis for the film says: 'Discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.'
The film, which was made in association with the late singer's family also starred huge names including Lashana Lynch, Michael Gandolfini, James Norton and Tosin Cole.
Watch the trailer.
Bob Dylan - A Complete Unknown (2024)
Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet portrays Bob Dylan in the 2024 biopic about the music icon. The film follows the musician's life and career, including his switch from folk to rock music. Work on the film was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was finally released in 2024.
Along with Timothée Chalamet, the cast includes Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro.
Watch the trailer.
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