Scorsese to Film Bob Marley Biopic
Martin Scorsese has set his eyes on yet another musical biopic, this time about reggae legend Bob Marley, trade paper Variety reports.

Martin Scorsese has translated his passion for music into several documentaries, including the older Bob Dylan biopic, “No Direction Home,” the Rolling Stones documentary “Shine a Light,” which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival this week, and the upcoming, yet untitled, George Harrison biopic.

Another project is on the Academy Award-winning director’s plate: a yet-to-be-titled documentary about legendary reggae star Bob Marley. As with “Shine a Light,” Scorsese will be joined by Steve Bing's Shangri-La Entertainment and international sales agent Fortissimo Films for the Marley film.

Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La are producing the pic, which Variety reports has been authorized by Marley's family. Scorsese has scheduled a Feb. 6, 2010 release – the day Bob Marley would have celebrated his 65th anniversary.

“I am thrilled that the Marley family will finally have the opportunity to document our father's legacy and are truly honored to have Mr. Scorsese guide the journey,” the trade paper quoted son Ziggy Marley as saying. Marley Jr. will act as one of the executive producers, the Hollywood Reporter adds.

The HR also reports that Scorsese’s next project is “Shutter Island,” an adaptation of a Dennis Lehane novel starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Michelle Williams.

In the years to come, the acclaimed director also intends to release a biopic on another of his musical heroes, the late George Harrison, with the approval and help of Harrison’s surviving family members. Scorsese said last September that he expects that project to take several years to complete.

The Rolling Stones documentary is a medley of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage recorded over the veteran band’s decades of activity, with a focus on two concerts at New York City's Beacon Theater from the group’s 2006 “A Bigger Bang” tour. It includes appearances by Buddy Guy, Christina Aguilera and the White Stripes' Jack White.

The film opened the Berlin International Film Festival on Thursday and is expected to be released in cinemas in April.