Hollywood plans Bob Marley biopic

Singer's fame has only grown since his death from cancer in 1981

 Bob Marley died at age 36 from cancer. AFP

The story of Bob Marley, the Jamaican superstar who in his short life took reggae into the global mainstream, is set to become a Hollywood biopic.

A representative for Paramount Pictures confirmed on Wednesday that the studio was developing a film on the life on Marley, who died in 1981 at age 36.

The studio did not offer further details, but news site Deadline Hollywood said that David "Ziggy" Marley, the star's son and himself a successful reggae musician, was leading the production.

Marley has been featured extensively in concert movies and documentaries, notably the eponymous film by Scottish director Kevin Macdonald in 2012 which brought together archival footage and interviews.

Any Hollywood biopic is likely to be scrutinised in Jamaica and abroad over what it chooses to emphasise.

Marley has become loved by global audiences for hits such as No Woman, No Cry and Redemption Song, but diehard fans often question whether casual listeners appreciate his Afrocentrism, his Rastafarian faith or his major influence as a peacemaker within Jamaica.

Marley's fame has only grown since his death, which was caused by skin cancer.

Legend, a greatest-hits collection released in 1984, has spent more non-consecutive weeks on the benchmark US album chart than any work other than Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon.

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