Lenny Kravitz to Play Marvin Gaye in Biopic

Lenny Kravitz has signed on to play Marvin Gaye in the upcoming Julien Temple-directed biopic of the R&B great, a rep for Kravitz confirms to Rolling Stone.

The film is set to start filming next year and will focus on Gaye's time in Europe in the early 1980s when the singer was trying to curb his addictions and restart his career with the help of British promoter Freddy Cousaert. While there have been previous attempts at Gaye biopics, insiders report that this one has secured music rights. 

The role will mark Kravitz's first leading turn, though he's previously played supporting parts in The Hunger Games and Lee Daniels' Precious. Kravitz is also set to appear in the The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, as well as The Butler, a new White House drama from Daniels.