Paramount’s Bob Marley Biopic To Be Directed By Reinaldo Marcus Green
The Marley family has fought long and hard to protect and share the legacy of their patriarch Bob Marley. Almost every business deal they’ve made has been meticulously approached and we should not expect any different when it comes to the legendary reggae singer’s biopic.
According to a report by Deadline, after an exhaustive search, Paramount has found the right director to satisfy all concerned. Reinaldo Marcus Green, the director of the Will Smith-film King Richard, the upcoming movie about Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams is the man for the job.
On behalf of the Marley family, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, and Cedella Marley will form part of the production team while Robert Teitel is also part of the production crew.
Marley has often been cited as one of the most influential musicians of modern times and his music still appears at No. 1 on some Billboard charts even 38 years after his death. His contribution to taking reggae global is forever treasured by Jamaicans and fans from around the world.
He died at just 36-years-old in May 1981 of cancer.
The privilege to present his life on screen was not lost to Green.
“Bob Marley’s music lives on in all of us. His lyrics transcend continents, colour, creed, and generations of people. It heals. It fights. It bleeds love and truth. It’s a true honour and privilege to work with Ziggy and the Marley Family, and Paramount Pictures to bring his story to life,” he said.
He added that he hoped that the movie would help to highlight the message of positivity that Marley spread while he was alive.
“Audiences want to know the real Bob, the man as well as the legend. I trust this film will bring us closer to understanding his journey, his music, and continue to carry the torch of his legacy with humility and grace, and most of all, love,” he said.
Another powerhouse added to the crew from the Paramount side is Paramount Motion Picture Group president Emma Watts who was instrumental in the creation of the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody which went on to gross more than $900 million at the worldwide box office. It also copped four Oscars.
Shortly after Watts was named Paramount Pictures president, she made it her priority to find the right director for the job. After screening several potential directors, Green stood out because of what he envisioned for the film.
Ziggy Marley said that he was honoured to be a part of the production and that it is a job he intends to take very seriously.
“It’s an incredible responsibility that we take on with Reinaldo and the team at Paramount to tell the story of our father in a way that truly honours him and will also entertain, enlighten, uplift and inspire his fans and audiences around the world. It’s like opening a window that has never been open before.”
There’s little doubt that this one will do well at the box office and will help to add an even deeper connection to Bob Marley’s story and music.