RENT’s original Tom Collins from stage and screen, Jesse L. Martin, will hit the big screen again in another musical film. This time taking on Motown legend Marvin Gaye. Martin, who was attached to another Gaye film, has now signed on to replace rock and roll icon Lenny Kravitz. Not sure what lead to the change, but it could have something to do with the son of Marvin Gaye being “shocked” that his friend, Lenny Kravtiz, would agree to star in such a film. We hope that Marvin Gaye III will support Jesse L. Martin in this film but it doesn’t seem likely since him and his family are against the time in Gaye’s life of which the movie will depict. According to Shadow And Act:
Temple’s film, which looks like it’ll be first off the blocks, will focus on the making of the Midnight Love album, while Gaye was living in Belgium – a drug addict, essentially considered something of a has-been. [SOURCE]
It’s unfortunate that a potentially good film could be overshadowed by the dismay of the family but it is also completely understandable as well. We are happy for Jesse L. Martin and hope that maybe his performance in the film will help ease their spirits. Congrats Jesse from BroadwayBlack.com!
