The Transformation of Kingsley Ben-Adir into Bob Marley for the Barbie Movie: A Tale of One Love

Actor Kingsley Ben-Adir has portrayed various iconic black leaders throughout his career, including Barack Obama and Malcolm X. However, the prospect of playing Bob Marley was particularly daunting for him. Ben-Adir initially turned down the opportunity, feeling that it was too big of a responsibility and risk. The search for someone to portray Marley on the big screen took over 30 years, with directors like Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone attempting and failing to bring the reggae legend's story to life. Finally, director Reinaldo Marcus Green took on the challenge and felt a personal connection to the material. The film, titled "One Love," focuses on a specific two-year timespan in Marley's life, starting in 1976 during political turmoil in Jamaica. It explores Marley's attempt to stay neutral and organize a concert for peace, which resulted in an attack on him and his wife in their home. After the incident, Marley went into self-exile in London and channeled his emotions into the creation of his album "Exodus." Ben-Adir, despite lacking musical talents, accepted the role and dedicated 10 weeks to prepare for it. He studied Marley's interviews, recordings, and concert footage, even learning to play the guitar. The film aims to provide an authentic portrayal of Marley, including his Trench Town dialect, while shedding light on his struggles with identity, fame, and paranoia. "One Love" is set to be released in cinemas on 14 February.