Bob Marley Movie Gets a Meghan Markle-Prince Harry Boost
Studios typically reserve their most promising films for the latter part of the year, leaving January and February known as dump months for lackluster releases. Unfortunately, the upcoming film Bob Marley: One Love appears to have fallen victim to this trend with its February 14 release date. However, Paramount Pictures has decided to give the movie one final push by hosting a star-studded premiere in Jamaica. Surprisingly, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been invited to attend, prompting speculation about their involvement.
People magazine reported that Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins extended the invitation to the ex-royal couple due to their personal friendship with the Robbins family. From a promotional standpoint, having Harry and Meghan on board is a smart move for Paramount, as their every move is often analyzed by media outlets like The Daily Mail. Moreover, by attending events like these, Harry and Meghan can stay connected to the entertainment industry, which has been a personal interest for them since relinquishing their royal duties.
While the premiere invitation aligns with the couple’s desire to remain in the public eye, the choice of the Bob Marley movie seems somewhat peculiar. Not only is One Love a relatively obscure February release, but it also carries historical and political implications. The United Kingdom and Jamaica share a complex colonial history, and Jamaica even plans to hold a referendum this year regarding its future in the commonwealth. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed a desire to distance his country from England’s influence. Therefore, the potential political undertones of Harry and Meghan’s presence at the premiere, including posing with Holness on the red carpet, cannot be overlooked.
Turning our attention to the film itself, Bob Marley: One Love has all the ingredients of a classic music biopic designed to attract Oscar attention. The talented lead actors, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, bring buzz and excitement to the project. Unfortunately, the movie has not garnered positive early reviews, with many critics pointing out flaws, including Ben-Adir’s questionable wig. Whether due to these shortcomings or other reasons, it seems unlikely that Harry and Meghan’s appearance at the premiere will provide more than a short-lived publicity boost for the film.
In conclusion, the Bob Marley movie’s decision to roll out the red carpet for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may raise eyebrows, especially considering the historical and political context surrounding Jamaica’s relationship with the UK. While the film’s potential to succeed in the box office remains uncertain, the presence of the ex-royal couple at the premiere is sure to generate ample media coverage. Ultimately, whether this attention will translate into long-term success for One Love remains to be seen.
