Fox Animation, Universal Music team for musical based on songs by Bob Marley

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Kid: Mommy, Mommy! Can we go to Pimper's Paradise?

Mommy: Umm ….

Turn your lights down low, and bask in the idea that you'll no longer be waiting in vain for someone to finally make an animated feature based on the songs of Bob Marley.

Earlier this morning, three little birds popped onto my windowsill, and told me that something exciting was happening over at Variety. Upon making my way over to the website, I discovered that Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Animation are indeed looking to jointly develop “an animated musical love letter to the late Marley’s legendary music and to the people of Jamaica.” Are you feeling the positive vibration from this news yet? Don't worry, you will. It's a bit of a creeper, if you know what I mean.

The Marley-related animation project will be written and produced by Kenya Barris (BLACK-ISH, GIRL'S TRIP) via his Khalablo In Society company as part of his overall deal with Twentieth Century Fox. The film will also see some of Bob Marley's own family members involved in the project. Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob, will produce alongside Rita Marley, Bob's widow. Joining the Marleys in their production efforts will be head of Polygram Entertainment David Blackman and E. Brian Dobbins of Principato-Young.

Word of the animation came by way of Fox Animation Co-Presidents, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird, who announced that “We not only have the opportunity to build new relationships for the studio, but we get to tell a story, inspired by the music of Bob Marley, one of the greatest music legends of our time.” To which Cedella added, “My father has inspired art and artists around the world and I’m excited to embark on a new creative venture that highlights his incredible music. We are thrilled to work with Kenya Barris and David Blackman on this project as well as a Fox Animation who gave us this platform to introduce a new generation to my father’s music.”

No other details about the project are available at this time, though that doesn't mean that we can't speculate as to what this will be. I'm picturing something akin to Pink Floyd's THE WALL, only with Bob Marley's legendary catalog as the subject matter, obviously.

In looking back on Marley's storied career, it's easy to see how his musical professions of love, understanding, and a desire for people to come together as one could be adapted into a powerful musical for young minds. Here's hoping for something unique from this unexpected and intriguing project.