Kingsley Ben-Adir, who is set to star in the upcoming biopic Bob Marley: One Love, has disclosed receiving gifts from fans intended for fellow actor Ben Kingsley due to the similarity in their names. In an exclusive interview with NME, Ben-Adir revealed that he often receives flowers, cards and other gifts when he checks into hotels, as people believe Ben Kingsley is coming. Although it is usually a mistake, Ben-Adir does not correct the misunderstanding and keeps the gifts. He also shared his amusement with fans who mix up their names, saying, “So Ben Kingsley has been a part of my journey up until now and still is. I don’t know when it will end.”
Ben-Adir also debunked the claims that he had initially turned down the lead in the biopic, stating that he wanted to ensure that everyone on the production team knew that he was not like Bob Marley. He explained that, before accepting the role, he wanted to make it clear that he could not sing, dance, and was physically different from the icon. Ben-Adir confessed that prior to the audition, watching Bob Marley perform at the Rainbow Theatre in 1977 felt “dangerous” but magnetic, and he was hooked. He further expressed his respect for the artist and his music, calling him a genius.
In the same interview, Ben-Adir praised Bob Marley: One Love, which is set to premiere on February 14. He revealed that he had never played an artist before, despite previously portraying icons, and that Marley was an artist first. Ben-Adir’s performance as Marley has gained positive feedback from critics who have seen the film, with some calling it a standout role for the actor.
Earlier this year, Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie, suggested that Ben-Adir should be the next James Bond, hailing him as an actor who “can do anything.” Ben-Adir is also best known for his roles in biopics such as One Night in Miami and The Comey Rule. The British actor has gained recognition for his ability to embody iconic characters, and his performance as Bob Marley is eagerly anticipated
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