James Norton has commenced filming for the upcoming Bob Marley biopic in London.
The actor, 37, was pictured on set opposite Kingsley Ben-Adir, who plays the reggae legend, on Monday as he sunk his teeth into a new role ahead of Sunday’s tense Happy Valley season finale.
The screen star looked worlds away from his role as chilling psychopathic three-time murderer Tommy Lee Royce in the BBC drama, which is set to conclude on Sunday night.
Looking good: James Norton has started filming for the upcoming Bob Marley biopic in London
The Sun reports that James is said to be playing Island Records boss Chris Blackwell, who helped make Bob a huge star.
A source told the publication: ‘James’ role is a closely guarded secret – his casting hasn’t even been announced. He is a phenomenal actor and is a great addition to the cast.’
Lashana Lynch has also been cast in the film, as Bob’s wife Rita, while Reinaldo Marcus Green is directing.
James wore a camel brown seventies-style jacket over a light blue shirt and denim flared jeans.
Starring role: The actor, 37, was pictured on set opposite Kingsley Ben-Adir, who plays the reggae legend
The Sun reports that James is said to be playing Island Records boss Chris Blackwell, who helped make Bob a huge star.
Kept under wraps: A source told the publication: ‘James’ role is a closely guarded secret – his casting hasn’t even been announced’
High praise: They added: ‘He is a phenomenal actor and is a great addition to the cast’
He later changed into a brown jumper layered under a khaki jacket and paired with black jeans.
The Happy Valley star wrapped up in a grey scarf and his light hair was styled in longish curls.
Meanwhile Kingsley looked the spitting image of the musical icon he was playing as he filmed with James.
Cast: Lashana Lynch has also been cast in the film, as Bob’s wife Rita, while Reinaldo Marcus Green is directing
Retro: James wore a camel brown seventies-style jacket over a light blue shirt and denim flared jeans
Outfit change: He later changed into a brown jumper layered under a khaki jacket and paired with black jeans
Handsome: The Happy Valley star wrapped up in a grey scarf and his light hair was styled in longish curls
Friends: The two actors chatted along side each other as they strolled down the London street
Identical: Meanwhile Kingsley looked the spitting image of the musical icon he was playing as he filmed with James
Twinning: He wore a green hat over his long dreadlocks, identical to those favoured by singer Bob
Costume: He also donned a green jumper and a matching green jacket with blue jeans to complete his costume
He wore a green hat over his long dreadlocks, identical to those favoured by singer Bob.
He also donned a green jumper and a matching green jacket with blue jeans to complete his costume.
He also underwent a costume change, dressing in a navy blue fleece jacket and grey jogging bottoms.
Kiss: Kingsley added a pair of blue and white trainers as he filmed a second scene with Umi Myers who plays Bob’s girlfriend
Kingsley added a pair of blue and white trainers as he filmed a second scene with Umi Myers who plays Bob’s girlfriend.
The pair embraced and kissed while James smiled on in one shot, Umi wearing a black padded coat.
She sported white trainers and a net over her hair as appeared to be inbetween hair and make-up.
Lovebirds: The pair embraced and kissed while James smiled on in one shot, Umi wearing a black padded coat
Stylish: She then changed into a cream coat and a pair of white tailored trousers over a cream mesh top
Stunning: Her raven tresses were styled in neat voluminous curls and she wore a full face of glamorous make-up, including a classic red lip
She then changed into a cream coat and a pair of white tailored trousers over a cream mesh top.
Her raven tresses were styled in neat voluminous curls and she wore a full face of glamorous make-up, including a classic red lip.
Umi’s hair was touched up with hairspray by a hairstylist while James ran over his lines.
Touch ups: Umi’s hair was touched up with hairspray by a hairstylist while James ran over his lines
Vintage: The London street that the were filming on was adorned with old school parking metres and vintage police cars
Final touches: A crew member adjusted James’ collar between takes
Chilly: James wrapped up in between filming scenes, by donning a black coat over his costume
The London street that the were filming on was adorned with old school parking metres and vintage police cars.
Looking at the life, career and tragic 1981 death of the legendary reggae singer, the yet-to-be named film will reportedly have his family serving as producers on set.
The film is also thought to be heading to the music icon’s home country of Jamaica to film some scenes of the biopic.
Biopic: Looking at the life, career and tragic 1981 death of the legendary reggae singer, the yet-to-be named film will reportedly have his family serving as producers on set
Location: The film is also thought to be heading to the music icon’s home country of Jamaica to film some scenes of the biopic
Family: The musical legend died of cancer in 1981 at age 36, but his wife Rita Marley, daughter Cedella Marley and son Ziggy Marley will serve as producers on set, according to Deadline
The musical legend died of cancer in 1981 at age 36, but his wife Rita Marley, daughter Cedella Marley and son Ziggy Marley will serve as producers on set, according to Deadline.
Bob rose to fame with his hit No Woman, No Cry in 1975, before changing the music industry with a slew of chart-topping songs after this.
And despite Kingsley playing a musical legend, the actor does not have a musical background, with director Reinaldo previously sharing that he chose him for his acting, not musical talent.
The director told The Observer: ‘I was more interested in his acting. The same way that I approached King Richard, the two young actresses that play Venus and Serena [Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton] had no sports capabilities whatsoever. It’s about being great actors – and then training.’
Iconic: Bob rose to fame with his hit No Woman, No Cry in 1975, before changing the music industry with a slew of chart-topping songs after this
Acting prowess: And despite Kingsley playing a musical legend, the actor does not have a musical background, with director Reinaldo previously sharing that he chose him for his acting, not musical talent.
Training: The director told The Observer: ‘I was more interested in his acting. It’s about being great actors – and then training.’
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