Jamaican audiences will be the first to see the long-awaited biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love,’ as the film makes its premiere on the island on Tuesday, January 23.
This biopic will mark the first time that Bob Marley’s life and musical journey will be showcased on the big screen. The movie will be released in theatres globally on February 14.
Produced in partnership with the Marley family, the film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir (Peaky Blinders) as Marley, alongside Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die, Woman King) as Rita Marley, and James Norton (Mr Jones, McMafia) as Chris Blackwell.
It was directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Green, Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin.
Other notable Jamaican cast members
Several other Jamaican artistes and actors have also been cast in the film. Among them are:
Naomi Cowan: The daughter of well-known Jamaican singers Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan and Tommy Cowan. The singer/songwriter makes her acting debut in this role, starring as the iconic I-Threes member Marica Griffiths.
Sevana: Reggae singer Sevana will play another I-Threes, Judy Mowatt. Sevana is well-known for her songs Nobody Man,” “Mango,” and several collaborations with Reggae singer Protoje. She officially signed with his In.Digg.Nation Collective in 2020 and departed in 2022.
Aston Barrett Jr.: Jamaican multi-instrumentalist and producer Aston Barrett Jr. has been the drummer and leader of the band The Wailers since 2016. He is the son of Aston “Familyman” Barrett, who was the bassist and musical director for Bob Marley & The Wailers. He will play his father in the film.
Hector Roots Lewis: Jamaican reggae singer Hector Roots Lewis will play the long-time drummer of Bob Marley and The Wailers, Carlton ‘Carly’ Barrett.
Sheldon Shepherd: A well-known face among Jamaican movie lovers is Sheldon Shepherd. The founding member and lead singer of The No-Maddz will play Neville Garrick, Marley’s friend and art director, who passed away in November. Shepherd is known for his role in the film Better Mus’ Come. He also starred in Idris Elba’s directorial debut, Yardie.
The film will also feature Jesse Cilio as Norval Marley and Sundra Oakley as Diane Jobson. Additional cast members, including Tosin Cole, Michael Gandolfini, Nadine Marshall, and Anthony Welsh, will appear in roles that remain undisclosed for now.
It is anticipated to be available on the Paramount Plus streaming service, aligning with Paramount Pictures’ ownership of the platform. For those already subscribed to Paramount Plus, the Bob Marley biopic will be accessible upon its release.
