In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Kingsley Ben-Adir, renowned for his diverse roles in projects like “The OA” and “One Night in Miami,” opened up about the meticulous preparation he underwent to authentically portray the legendary Bob Marley in the upcoming biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love.” What makes this revelation intriguing is that Ben-Adir was simultaneously working on the light-hearted Barbie movie, where he played one of the Kens.
Reflecting on the early days of preparing for “One Love,” Ben-Adir emphasized the commitment to authenticity. “Language and how Bob spoke [were] the most important thing, and [we’re] not white-washing anything,” he explained. This dedication prompted Ben-Adir to immerse himself in Marley’s world, fine-tuning not only his voice but also capturing the essence of Marley’s musicality.
During the interview, Ben-Adir candidly shared that he embraced every opportunity to delve into Marley’s artistry, even during breaks on the set of Barbie. “On film sets, there’s a lot of downtime… it just made sense to go and listen to Bob and try to understand the language and learn the guitar,” he revealed. This dual commitment showcases Ben-Adir’s passion and determination to make the most of his time, considering the intricate aspects of Marley’s persona he needed to master.
“I enjoyed it thoroughly because it was an excuse to listen to Bob all the time,” Ben-Adir expressed, shedding light on the joy he found in the preparation process. The actor’s enthusiasm for the role extended beyond the biopic, impacting his work on the Barbie set, where he shared the screen with Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, and Scott Evans.
Despite the demanding schedule and the challenges of balancing two distinct projects, Ben-Adir kept his transformative process private for as long as possible. Only seeking help when necessary, he maintained a level of secrecy that underscores the personal journey he embarked on to channel the reggae icon authentically.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and produced in collaboration with the Marley family, “Bob Marley: One Love” is set to be one of the first authorized biopics of the legendary artist, hitting theaters on February 14. As audiences anticipate a cinematic exploration of Bob Marley’s life and music, Kingsley Ben-Adir’s revelation adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement, promising an immersive experience that goes beyond the screen.