A biopic on the late Marvin Gaye that was set to star Lenny Kravitz has had a personnel change.  Late last year, it had been announced that Kravitz was set to portray the legendary soul singer in an upcoming film about his life, but Deadline.com reports that Gaye's son Marvin Gaye III objected to the casting choice and asked Kravitz to drop out of the project. The top-billed slot has now been filled by former Law & Order star Jesse L. Martin -- also famous for his starring role in Broadway's Rent.

The film is titled Sexual Healing and will focus on the last years of Gaye’s life. It will also deal with his alcohol addiction, financial problems and friendship with music promoter Freddy Cousaert.  It will be directed by Julien Temple, the man behind the 1980 mockumentary about the Sex Pistols, The Great Rock and Roll Swindle.

Sexual Healing is due to begin filming later this month in Europe.

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