Patois-fluent actors, musicians, invited to audition for Bob Marley biopic

A team from Paramount Pictures, which is responsible for the Bob Marley biopic now in production, is in the island to conduct a casting at the AC Hotel Kingston this Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Another round of open casting will be held at Montego Bay Convention Centre on September 3.

The Marley family is fully immersed in the process as it gets closer to filming. Bob’s daughter, Cedella Marley, is named as a producer – along with Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley. Cedella will participate in this weekend’s casting via Zoom and travel to the island for callbacks in September.

“This is thrilling and, at the same time, very sobering for us as a family,” Cedella replied when asked about the movie. “Our father stood for truth and justice and envisioned creating a world of love and harmony through his words and his deeds. Being able to share Daddy’s life works with the world is like continuing his mission. It’s a joy to do this, and we know we have to get it right.”

Her brother Ziggy, Bob’s eldest son, echoed her sentiments, saying: “I’m happy we have this opportunity to engage our talented Jamaicans in this project from the beginning. It’s very important to us to represent the story well and share it with the world authentically.”

REQUIREMENTS

With several important speaking roles, aspiring talent must be fluent in Patois and ready for on-camera auditions. Children under 18 years old should be accompanied by an adult who can sign consent forms.

Casting directors are looking to fill a number of roles, including that of a baby, young and teenage Bob; Young Bunny; Peter; Ziggy; Stephen; Cedella and Sharon (ages 4-13 years). They are also looking for a Young Rita (ages 18-22); Young Stephen (ages 4-6); Young Cedella (age 8); Young Ziggy (age 9) and Young Sharon (ages 10-12).

Other roles include (The Wailers/Musicians) Bunny Livingston, Peter Tosh and Family Man Barrett (26-31); Carlton ‘Carly’ Barrett (age 27); Tyrone Downie (age 19); Judy Mowatt (20s); Marcia Griffiths (28); Seeco Patterson (46); Cindy Breakespeare (20s); Claudie Massop (30s); Joe Higgs (30s); Coxsone Dodd (27-32) and Cedella Booker (Bob Marley’s mother) – ages 28-49.

The Bob Marley biopic is set to be released in 2024, with Reinaldo Marcus Green, the Oscar-winning film-maker of the movie, King Richard, joining the team in Jamaica for the casting.