Jesse L. Martin to Star in Marvin Gaye Biopic

Jesse L. Martin has replaced Lenny Kravitz in the Marvin Gaye biopic Sexual Healing.

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Martin originally had been attached to play the late singer in a version produced by James Gandolfini -- who also had plans to co-star as music promoter Freddy Cousaert -- in 2008.

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After the project stalled, Kravitz signed on for the lead role in the Julien Temple-directed movie in November, but Gaye's son Marvin Gaye III voiced his objections to the project, which was said to focus on Gaye's life in the '80s when he battled drug abuse and depression.

The film now begins with the singer's attempt to get his career back on track with the help of Cousaert, now being played by Brendan Gleeson. The project, being produced by Vassal Benton and Fred Bestall, is set to start filming in late March.

Martin's previous credits include the NBC pilot The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives, which is in contention for the fall, several seasons on Law & Order and the feature Rent.

He is repped by ICM Partners and manager Bob McGowan.