There’s no doubt that Common can rap. Go ahead and listen to “The Light” and tell us you weren’t moved. But the man who debuted with 1992’s Can I Borrow a Dollar? has been trying to make headway in the acting game recently. With turns in Terminator: Salvation and Date Night, plus a starring role alongside Queen Latifah in Just Wright, he could be on his way to leading star material. Especially if he gets his wish and plays Marvin Gaye.
In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, the Chicago rapper said that he’s been looking for projects where he can take a crack at the legendary Motown singer. Turns out, though, there’s been quite a few that went nowhere. Cameron Crowe and Sony passed on one with Will Smith, Jesse L. Martin (Rent, Law & Order) and James Gandolfini would’ve played Gaye and Belgian producer Freddy Cousaert respectively, and F. Gary Gray was all ready to deliver Marvin. Still, the thespian newcomer has high hopes for a huge role.
“I hope some people out in Hollywood see I can do more than bad guys, that I start to see material that I can really do something with,” Common said. “I took a U-turn with Just Wright, maybe people will see there’s more to me. I’d love to play Marvin Gaye, for instance. I’ve been sniffing around, trying to figure out who might be interested, who might be already planning one. Marvin was a monumental figure in music, important in our lives in so many ways. And troubled. He’s a character with so much depth. I’d be all-in on that project.”
More details as to whether Common ends up singing “Sexual Healing” on-screen or not as they’re announced.
