Categories: News & Updates

Lenny Kravitz Drops Out of Marvin Gaye Biopic

'Law & Order' alumnus Jesse L. Martin will play iconic singer

Published by

Lenny Kravitz. Photo: Photo: Mathieu Bitton

Lenny Kravitz has dropped out of the long-anticipated Marvin Gaye biopic Sexual Healing, to be replaced by Law & Order alumnus Jesse L. Martin.

Directed by Julien Temple, the film has long been in the works, but is finally set to begin filming later this month in Europe, Deadline Hollywood reports. Martin, who also appeared in the stage and film version of the musical Rent, was actually attached to star in a previous version of the film being produced by James Gandolfini back in 2008.

No word was given for why Kravitz has bowed out, though news last November that the rocker would be portraying Gaye reportedly led to objections from the singer’s son, Marvin Gaye III, who threatened legal action if Kravitz did not drop out.

Sexual Healing reportedly focuses on Gaye’s time in Europe during the 1980s as he attempted to curb his addictions and re-start his career with the help of British promoter Freddy Cousaert, who will be played by Brendan Gleason.

Recent Posts

Human Bondage on How Much Indian Rock Has Changed Since the 1970s

Artists Henry Babu Joseph, Radha Thomas, Ramesh Shotham are performing together once again across Bengaluru,…

January 19, 2026

See John Mayer Perform Emotional ‘Ripple’ at Bob Weir’s Public Memorial

"Bob took a chance on me. He staked his entire reputation on my joining a…

January 19, 2026

The 7 Best Songs From A$AP Rocky’s ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ Album

The new LP is a bold statement that reaffirms Rocky's greatness while settling old scores

January 19, 2026

Slash, Joe Bonamassa Take Things ‘Farther Up the Road’ in Bluesy Jam

The two guitar greats met up to take part in the first Soho Sessions of…

January 19, 2026

Roger Waters Stands by Insensitive Ozzy Osbourne Comments in New Interview

"Do I have to like every rock group that ever was or people who bite…

January 19, 2026

‘SNL’: Watch A$AP Rocky Perform ‘Punk Rocky,’ ‘Helicopter’

The Harlem-born rapper also performs the title track off of his new album, Don't Be…

January 19, 2026