Jamie Foxx is an extremely talented individual. He has done just about everything in the entertainment industry and found success with it. He has done comedy, television, movies, and music and has even won an Oscar for his starring role as Ray Charles. Yet even with all his success, I dont want to see him play the role as Robert “Bob” Nesta Marley.
To many of us, Bob Marley is a music icon. His music and name has resounded and spread throughout the world the last few decades. He is perhaps the most widely known reggae artist in the world today. Much of his music deals with the oppression and poverty of his people but it also spreads the message of hope and unity. His music is timeless and universal and has touched all walks of life.
Back to the casting of Foxx as Bob. I think it would be very difficult for Foxx to “become” Bob Marley. First off, you have to have that authentic Jamaican accent. Do I think Foxx can pull that off? No.
Second, Bob has a very unique look about him. His face, his voice, his hair! The actor has to look like him. Foxx easily was able to look like Ray with the shades, haircut, a nice suit, and a few wrinkles, but the dreadlocks are definately going to be a problem and shades is not an option. We will see Foxx’s face and I can’t see Jamie as a rastafarian. If this movie does take shape (I hope it does not) the actor should definately be Jamaican!
Now for the last and the most important problem I see with this casting. The aura that is Bob Marley. The essence. The soul. It can’t be duplicated. You could argue that many people believe that Bob is similar to a messiah. Come to this earth too spread the message of truth, and lead his people away from the chaos which seems to be our lives today. Bob Marley was a very special individual. One in a billion. You can’t act like a savior. You have to live it. Something I think is too big of a challenge even for a talented actor like Foxx to do.
I think he could pull it off. ((sticking tongue out))
Ohh..
I agree. Jamie Foxx is SO not BOB Marley-ish. I can’t SEE him playing this role.
It just doesn’t fit.
Hm… I agree with you that Jamie Foxx is not Bob Marley…. but then again, I can’t really picture anyone as Bob… not even any of his sons! I dunno… it’s a tough one!
I know Bob Marley more than Jamie Foxx and Bob has been so ubiquitous here in the Philippines, in t-shirts, posters, jeepneys, everywhere… maybe i have yet to know Foxx more coz Bob really is an icon…
I can see what you mean with Jamie Foxx not looking like he can pull off the role. To be honest, I agree with you. I guess part of my reasoning is because I am sick and tired of seeing him portray a dead musician. Sure, he only did Ray Charles before this one, but I thought “Ray” was a movie that showed Ray in one of his ugliest and truest. I don’t know if I can see that being done to Bob Marley.
But I’ll give the benefit of the doubt for a while. Let’s see what happens. =)
jamie foxx has found success in hollywood but to me, that does not mean he is talented. plus, the way he acts in response to his fame and acclamation is really lame.
Foxx as Marley? I don’t like it either. He may be able to capture some of Bob’s mannerisms but it would just appear too off physically.
I agree that if the project is given the green light, they should get a talented Jamaican actor who at least kind of resembles Bob.
Here is the truth of the matter. Jamie Foxx is undoubtedly a talent to be reckoned with so is Denzel Washington and Cubba Gooding Jr. Yet for all they are worth capturing Bob Marley is out of scope. Personally I believe Denzel is the most brilliant actor in the movie business to date, but as stated this is out of scope for him as well. Having said that, I will suggest that those of you who are not familiar with the Marley children and their capabilities, seek out and watch the following movie: “One Love”. This movie stars one of Bob Marley’s sons, “Ky-mani Marley”. Once you have seen it, please comment on if you think he could closely capture his father’s character.
I totally agree! It was almost offensive that an American person (no offense) was said to play Bob. According to another website, however, it is a rumour. Thank God! First, he doesnt have the look like you sdaid, and sesondly, Foxx doesnt have to play EVERY black person there ever was. Blodclot!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. So they cant find any talented Jamaican actors. Come on now.
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