Everyone from F. Gary Gray to Lenny Kravitz has tried to get a Marvin Gaye biopic off the ground over the last decade. Now, a man who has experience with projects about iconic musicians is finally going to bring the Motown legend’s story to life: Jamie Foxx.
The Ray star will produce a limited television series about Gaye, which has received the blessing of the legendary singer’s family. Foxx will work alongside the singer’s son, Marvin Gaye III, who is serving as executive producer. “This project will be a powerful and definitive telling of Marvin Gaye’s life story,” Gaye III said in a statement (via The Hollywood Reporter).
“I’ve been a huge fan my whole life. His brilliance in music unparalleled,” Foxx added. “Marvin Gaye’s story has always fascinated me.”
Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones of de Passe Jones Entertainment will also produce and search for a home for the series on traditional and digital outlets. de Passe has produced a number of Motown TV specials and is a protégé of label founder Berry Gordy. “Marvin was the truest artist I have ever known,” said Gordy, giving his own approval to the series. “I am confident that this is the right team to bring his story to the audience in an authentic and compelling way.”
de Passe and Jones are currently in talks with Sony/ATV to see which songs from Gaye’s beloved catalog — which includes enduring hits like “What’s Going On”, “Sexual Healing”, and “Let’s Get It On” — will be used for the production. “We’ve been involved in a number of attempts to get this done,” said de Passe, “and now that we’ve been able to marshal all the forces, and Jamie’s come on board as a partner, we’re excited to get going.”
