Casting directors for the upcoming Paramount Bob Marley biopic are now seeking actors and actresses to fulfill several roles in the Marley clan.
According to actor, producer, director and Principal of RAW Management Nadean Rawlins, who has been integral in submitting prospects for the roles—keen detail is being paid to ensure that more Jamaicans are chosen.
“Seasoned actors who would know how to do a self-tape once we send them the script and outline any particular nuances on what is expected. We also send a character sketch to give them a better idea, as well. For the not-so-seasoned actors, we provide guidance based on their tapes and let them know if there’s anything to be improved. We have quite a number of conversations with our actors,” she told DancehallMag.
The film, which is set for release on January 12, 2024, will begin in 1976, and will zone in on the making of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ninth studio album, Exodus.
Casting directors are looking for prospects to play The Wailers (ages 17-35); Young Bob (ages five to eight, 11-13 and 15-18); Young Rita (ages 18-22); Young Stephen (ages four to six); Young Cedella (age eight); Young Ziggy (age nine) and Young Sharon (age 12).
Members of the public can also attend auditions at the AC Hotel in Kingston on August 27 and 28, while those on the west end are invited to the Montego Bay Convention Centre on September 3. They can sign up in advance for time slots online.
Rawlins added that her agency is working feverishly to submit hopefuls from her pool of actors to better their chances.
“Some projects they will give us a couple months to cast, but we know that they send up castings every week so we don’t wait until the last minute. We have to understand the urgency of this business requires. If I get a deadline for casting on the weekend and they need it by Friday, I tell the prospects that I need the tapes by Wednesday so that way we have time to look over everything and provide suggestions and I would still be within the deadline,” she explained.
British actress Lashana Lynch, who has Jamaican roots, has been tapped to play adult Rita Marley, while British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, who has Trinidad roots, landed the role of adult Bob Marley, to the surprise of many and the dismay of some.
Rastafarians and Reggae fans alike questioned why Marley’s sons or grandsons weren’t given the role as they already resemble him, and are Patois speakers and musicians.
According to Rawlins, as long as the actor will do the Reggae King justice, all should be well.
“As a casting director, and actor, I believe firmly in the ability to do the job. Once you fit the bill and have the chops why not?” she said. “With the Bob Marley role it would’ve been wonderful to have that person come out of our land and casters, including myself worked hard to try and land that role. Our agency sent so many people. But, I don’t know what the producers were looking for. Like I said, as long as they have the ability to execute the role, that’s all that matters.”