The first teaser trailer for Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley: One Love biopic offers us a peek into the world of a reggae legend. As the wave of musical icon biopics sweeps through Hollywood, Paramount’s upcoming project promises to show the pivotal events that shaped Marley’s path, shedding light on the experiences and influences that led him to become a lasting global symbol of unity and harmony.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, Bob Marley: One Love stars Kingsley Ben-Adir of Secret Invasion fame in the titular role. It’s set during the year-and-a-half period following the 1976 assassination attempt on the musician, revealing the extraordinary events that led to his legendary performance at Jamaica’s One Love Peace Concert in 1978.
As per the film’s synopsis, “Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.”
The film is a collaborative effort between the Marley family and Paramount, with Ziggy Marley, Marley’s son, also serving as a producer on the project, contributing his unique perspective and insights. Reinaldo directs the biopic from a screenplay penned by Zach Baylin, Frank E. Flowers and Terence Winter.
Ziggy Marley took to Instagram to express his excitement for the new trailer and shared some insights about the biopic. “Nothing happens before it’s time and now is the time for the story of our father Bob Marley,” Ziggy wrote on Instagram. He further added, “Filmed at the actual places where Bob walked, played football and sang like Trench Town and Bull bay in Kingston, (the film) is an artistic creation that we are proud of and want you to enjoy to be entertained but also to be inspired.”
The first teaser trailer for Bob Marley: One Love opens up by showcasing Marley at the zenith of his stardom, commanding massive crowds. With the concert about to start, a band member asks Marley backstage, “Where do you want to start?” Sporting an infectious smile Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Marley replies, “From the beginning.”
We are then treated with glimpses of Marley’s iconic studio sessions, where he records some of his greatest hits along with his wife. Shots of Marley’s social interactions as well as being pursued by a swarm of adoring fans are also thrown in. “There’s a war going on,” says Marley in the trailer. “You can’t separate the music and the message.”
The trailer takes a dramatic turn and cuts to a critical moment, recreating the night of Marley’s fateful assassination attempt in 1976, a mere two days before the Smile Jamaica Concert. We hear someone asking a pressing question to the One Love singer: “They tried to kill you and your wife, and now you’re choosing to return to Jamaica to play a peace concert? Don’t you fear for your life?” Marley replies, “My life is not important to me. My life is for people.”
The trailer reaches its powerful conclusion with Marley’s profound words: “One love, one heart, one destiny.” This quote references his iconic 1965 hit, “One Love,” which serves as a central theme in the upcoming biopic and beautifully reflects Marley’s enduring message of unity, love, and the shared destiny of humanity.
Joining Kingsley in the cast is the talented Lashana Lynch, portraying Rita Marley, Marley’s wife. Jesse Cilio takes on the role of Norval Marley, while James Norton brings the character of record producer Chris Blackwell to life. The cast also includes Michael Gandolfini, Nadine Marshall, and Anthony Welsh, who have been cast in currently undisclosed roles.
Bob Marley’s impact on the world is immeasurable. Not only was he an influential figure in the world of music, but he also used his platform to address important political and social issues. He became a beacon of peace, unity, and social justice through his reggae music and also emerged as a significant voice in the Rastafari movement, advocating for its principles and embracing its cultural and spiritual aspects.
So, get ready to witness “what it was like to be around the legend, to see his pain his sorrows his joys and his redemption,” when Bob Marley: One Love hits theaters on January 12, 2024.
