Chiabella James/Paramount Pictures
SOURCE: edition.cnn.com
Kingsley Ben-Adir’s remarkable portrayal of Bob Marley in “Bob Marley: One Love” owes a debt of gratitude to Greta Gerwig, as revealed by the actor himself. Ben-Adir confessed to the BBC that when he initially accepted the role, he lacked essential skills such as singing, dancing, and playing the guitar, all integral to embodying the legendary reggae icon.
Complicating matters, he faced a tight deadline of just 10 weeks (about 2 and a half months), while simultaneously filming “Barbie” where he assumed the role of Basketball Ken. However, Gerwig, the director of “Barbie,” emerged as an unexpected ally in his preparation for the Marley role.
Gerwig not only granted Ben-Adir the flexibility to study for his part during breaks but also went a step further by creating a dedicated “Bob Station” within the confines of the Barbie set, nestled snugly behind the Mojo Dojo Casa. This supportive environment enabled Ben-Adir to delve into Marley’s character while navigating the demands of his concurrent role in “Barbie.”
“I was full of nervous energy and wanting to get straight to work,” Ben-Adir said.
Fortunately, filming for the Marley movie got pushed back from the summer to December, giving Ben-Adir more time to prepare.
“Bob Marley: One Love” is due to be in theaters Valentine’s Day.