Bob Marley Movie: Casting Call Opens For Lead Role In The Paramount Pictures Biopic
Reggae fans are closer to seeing Bob Marley on the big screen as casting calls for the Paramount feature film got underway this week. KBC Talent Management, the talent scouts previously involved in projects such as Koffee’s Lockdown, Chronixx’s Cool As The Breeze, The Carter’s On The Run II and The Clarks and Jamaica Story , made the announcement on Instagram yesterday.
KBC is inviting suitable applicants to submit a recent headshot, full-length photo and 1-2 minute personal bio based on their narrowed down criteria for the lead actor — “male 30’s black/mixed, the ability to sing is a plus.”
While it doesn’t seem mandatory that the talent wears dreadlocks, the “ability to speak patois is required”, as Marley possessed a poetic and enchanting manner of speaking that only mushroomed with his musical delivery.
The Bob Marley movie was announced earlier this year to plenty of fanfare, as fans welcomed the megastar’s overdue arrival in perhaps the only corner of the globe he hasn’t conquered: Hollywood. A carefully chosen team including Marley’s eldest son Ziggy and director Reinaldo Marcus Green will help bring the Paramount picture feature to light, but even so, many are still cautiously hopeful for the yet untitled biopic.
There’s been several stalled attempts at a Marley movie over the years, as well as loud concerns about whether an authentic Jamaican actor would be cast in the lead role.
Following the initial announcement in March, DancehallMag compiled a list of contenders for lead actor among the Gong’s own bloodline and the industry’s finest. Ziggy Marley, Skip Marley, Jamie Foxx (previously cast as Marley in a since shelved project), the No-Maddz, Dale Elliot Jr., Donald Glover, and others made the cut on our extensive list, for their acting credits, striking resemblance or remarkable fortitude bringing characters to life.
As the project gets going, other notable names that could come up on KBC’s radar include digital art illustrator/freelance graphic designer Cee J Carpio (Up Top Gaza music video, Lion Pride JA) and pro surfer/skateboarder Elishama ‘Shama The Superman’ Beckford who appeared in episode 6 of Marley’s LEGACY series, Ride Natty Ride in 2020.