Dear Editor,

The trailer for the anticipated Bob Marley: One Love movie, the biopic of reggae icon Bob Marley, was released recently by Paramount Pictures. The film is expected to be in theatres in the USA in January 2024. British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir plays the role of Bob Marley.

Some on social media have lashed out, questioning the foreign cast, wondering why a Jamaican who is more familiar with Marley’s legacy, our culture, and idiosyncrasies wasn’t cast as the lead. Some suggested Marley’s sons or grandsons would’ve been ideal. I’ve even seen people asking if Jamaica owns the rights to the film.

We can’t be so simplistic. Casting is an intricate and very complex process. Actors are professionals who study and research roles to bring characters to life; roles are cast carefully. You can’t simply cast a Jamaican, because a relative with Marley’s DNA playing the lead would’ve minimised the significance of the film. It is better to have someone with no connection bringing their own perspective and interpretation to the role. We must accept that the Marley phenomenon is much bigger than Jamaica.

Producers of the film include some of Marley’s family — Rita, Cedella, Ziggy; they were a key resource for the storyline and putting the film together. They obviously endorsed the casting. Ben-Adir is of mixed race like Marley and, with locks, has a striking resemblance. His mother is Trinidadian, which must’ve also made the connection to the Jamaican culture easier. There have been many books, theatrical productions, musicals, documentaries about Marley, but this is the first film portraying his life and what he was able to achieve internationally, with the highs and the lows.

Ben-Adir, by the way, has an impressive biography which includes nine movies to date, several television and theatrical productions, and he was nominated for and won multiple acting awards.

The film, according to the press release, “celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity”. Filming started in December 2022 in London, which holds a special connection to Marley, who lived in London, played his first gig at a club there in the early 70s, and signed and released one of his biggest hits, One Love, with Island Records Label.

As a country we have not capitalised on our culture, which has international appeal. When we are overly critical of the small details, we end up missing the point entirely and fail to see the benefits a movie like this can have for Jamaica regardless of who the actors are.

We must, therefore, brace ourselves for the impact of the Marley film and what it can do for Jamaica, in terms of tourism and promotion of our music, culture, and vibes. Even with the background of poverty and violence in the film, there will always be intrigue.

I am excited about this film and can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com