Lenny Kravitz dropped from upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic

Singer-come-actor Lenny Kravitz has been axed as the lead role in an upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic.

The film about the Motown star, who died in 1984, will start shooting later this year, centring on the soul singer’s battle against addiction during the 1980s.

Legendary British director and man behind Sex Pistols pic The Great Rock N Roll Swindle, Julien Temple has signed on with the project.

Kravitz was initially billed to play Gaye, but has now been replaced by former Law & Order actor Jesse L. Martin.

It was set to be Kravitz’s first lead role, after supporting parts in The Hunger Games.