James Gandolfini will join Jesse L. Martin in the indie feature Sexual Healing, which chronicles the last years of singer Marvin Gaye’s life, says Variety.
Lauren Goodman will direct from a screenplay she based loosely on Steven Turner’s book “Trouble Man.” The story covers the life of Gaye (Martin) from his parting with Motown to his self-imposed exile in Europe and will include his relationship with Freddy Cousaert (Gandolfini), the promoter who guided the singer through the recording of his biggest-selling album, “Midnight Love.”
The project will be produced by Gandolfini’s company, Attaboy Films. Gary Hamilton’s Arclight Films will executive produce and handle international sales for the $15 million project.
Gandolfini and Alexandra Ryan are producing for Attaboy alongside Ayo Davis, Efuru Flowers and Roger Haber. Victor Syrmis and Hamilton executive produce.
Shooting will begin April 15 and take place in Massachusetts; Ostend, Belgium; and Los Angeles.
