Scorsese To Direct Bob Marley Documentary For His 65th Birthday

Maybe it’s time to officially christen him the new rock director (or at least documentary rock ace). While he’s always flirted with rock music in his movies, Marty Scorsese apparently plans to live out the winter of his career making documentaries on iconic rock figures.

After completing documentaries on Bob Dylan (“No Direction Home”) the Rolling Stones (“Shine A Light“) and an upcoming untitled doc about “quiet” Beatle George Harrison, what’s subject will the estimable filmmaker tackle for an encore? None other than reggae legend Bob Marley according to Variety.

The as-0f-yet untitled film will be produced by the same team that produced “Shine A Light,” which will debut in North American theaters April 4. The Marley doc is already being set for release on Feb. 6, 2010 – the day that what would have been the singer’s 65th birthday.

“I am thrilled that the Marley family will finally have the opportunity to document our father’s legacy and are truly honored to have Mr. Scorsese guide the journey,” son Ziggy Marley said.

The uber-prolific director’s next project is “Shutter Island”, “Ashecliffe,” based on the Dennis Lehane novel, “Shutter Island,” that will feature Michelle Williams, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson and lead star Leonard DiCaprio who is evidently contractually obligated to star in every Scorsese feature film for the rest of eternity (god, cast someone new for once; someone who can act would be nice).

Watch: Bob Marley on “Herb” and Prohbition

Watch: Bob Marley on roots and faith

Watch: Bob Marley – “Africa Unite”