Cameron Crowe set to direct Marvin Gaye biopic

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Cameron Crowe could be set to make his first film in five years, a biopic on soul legend Marvin Gaye. The Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous director has had a Marvin Gaye project in development for over three years, but it finally looks set to happen, according to a report in Deadline, with Terrence Howard lined up to play the part.

Will Smith had previously been linked to the project, but turned the role down after “much discussion” with Crowe and producer Scott Rudlin.

“Nothing’s been signed on paper yet,” Howard told Deadline at Cannes. “Everybody who loves music will hate me if I get this one wrong.”

Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. is supporting the project, which has secured the rights to Gaye's music.

Yet Crowe might face competition with competing projects, with The Playlist Nation reporting that it’s one of several planned biopics - F. Gary Gray is directing one with Jesse L. Martin and James Gandolfini attached that may shoot later this year.