Kingsley Ben-Adir said when reggae singer Ziggy Marley first approached him to play his legendary father in the upcoming biopic “Bob Marley: One Love,” the actor had reservations that seemed insurmountable. Despite portraying iconic figures like Malcolm X and Barack Obama, the prospect of embodying the reggae icon left Ben-Adir questioning his ability to sing and dance.
In an exclusive interview with EW, the 37-year-old actor revealed, “I was completely convinced that there’s no point in auditioning for this. I can’t sing. I can’t dance.” However, persistent offers and a weekend spent studying Marley’s performances, particularly his 1977 rendition of “War,” led Ben-Adir to assemble an audition tape.
With a nod of approval from Ziggy Marley, his wife Orly who is co-executive producer, Rita and Cedella Marley, the producers of the biopic, Ben-Adir embarked on a transformative journey. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, “One Love” delves into the intimate moments of Marley’s life, culminating in the historic One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1978.
To prepare for the role, Ben-Adir learned to sing and play guitar, admitting, “I butchered a lot of people’s ears for many days.” The actor’s dedication extended to studying over 50 rare archival interviews to master Marley’s Jamaican Patois, recruiting Jamaican assistance to transcribe the conversations phonetically.
Surprisingly, Ben-Adir’s preparation took an unexpected turn while filming Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” Playing one of the Kens, he set up a “Bob station” in Barbie Land, transcribing Marley’s interviews between takes. Reflecting on the seemingly disparate projects, he noted the positive contrast, calling it “wonderful to have such a positive acting experience before diving into a very lonely place.”
In addressing the method approach debate, Ben-Adir expressed a pragmatic stance, distinguishing between concentration during action and the need to detach afterward. Unlike some actors, he believes staying in character outside of scenes can draw unnecessary attention.
“Bob Marley: One Love” gears up for its theatrical release on February 14, 2024.
