A FILM based on the songs of reggae king Bob Marley is in the works.

According to Variety magazine, Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Animation are behind the project. However, no timeline was given.

Fox Animation co-presidents, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird, said: “We not only have the opportunity to build new relationships for the studio, but we get to tell a story inspired by the music of Bob Marley, one of the greatest music legends of our time.”

Described as “an animated, musical love letter to the late Marley’s legendary music and to the people of Jamaica”, the yet-to-be titled film is being written and produced by American writer and television producer Kenya Barris, through his Khalablo In Society company.

Barris is creator of numerous television programmes, including Black-ish and Girls Trip.

David Blackman, head of Polygram Entertainment; E Brian Dobbins of Principato Young; and Marley’s daughter Cedella are listed as producers.

Cedella Marley said she is elated with the project.

“My father has inspired art and artistes around the world and I’m excited to embark on a new creative venture that highlights his incredible music. We are thrilled to work with Kenya Barris and David Blackman on this project, as well as Fox Animation who gave us this platform to introduce a new generation to my father’s music,” she said.

Marley died on May 11, 1981 of cancer. He was 36. He would have turned 73 last Thursday.