Like Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye is another famous legendary black musician whose story has interested many moviemakers, though none of the many projects announced in recent years has seen the light of day.

We know that F. Gary Gray has long been trying to get his Marvin Gaye project off the ground; and we also know that Jesse L Martin is attached to star as the soulful singer in a film directed by newcomer, Lauren Goodman; lastly director Cameron Crowe was working on a Marvin Gaye project for almost 4 years, with most recent news stating thatTerrence Howard was in talks to play the man.

Today brings news that a 4th Marvin Gaye project is in the works… British directorJulien Temple is also developing a biopic, tentatively titled Midnight Love (named after the album Marvin Gaye recorded in Brussels in the early 80s). The rights-holders to Marvin Gaye’s music, have reportedly given the project a greenlight.

The story will focus on the making of the Midnight Love album. At the time, Gaye was living in Belgium – a drug addict, essentially considered something of a has-been. It was in that climate and state of mind that he recorded the album that included tracks likeSexual Healing.

The project is budgeted at $8 million, financed through the Belgian tax shelter and Luxembourg’s CIAV; principal photography is scheduled to begin in Belgium later this year.

So, it looks like of the 4 Marvin Gaye films in development, this one by Julien Temple is the most likely to be completed first. I’m sure it’ll make its way to the USA after its complete. No word on who is being considered for the title role, although, I think most agree that Jesse L Martin is a shoe-in for the part!

via Screendaily/The Playlist

Two different films about the man greenlit at the same time?

[Edited 2/13/11 12:24pm]

So, is it going to be British based or Hollywood?

Interesting.

vizionheiry said:

Two different films about the man greenlit at the same time?

[Edited 2/13/11 12:24pm]

Basically lol

But haven't we been down this same route? The Jesse L. Martin film was greenlighted too and it had funding and then it stopped so I'm not even putting my hopes in this. End of 2011 we'll still be wondering about the film. It definitely won't come out in 2012. I'm just not looking for it. But maybe I'm just pessimistic because I heard the same thing for five years.

^ Sadly, I agree. I want the Jesse L Martin version to start production. Terrence as Marvin? No ma'am.