Will Smith turns down Marvin Gaye role

Will Smith has reportedly declined director Cameron Crowe's offer to star in his Marvin Gaye biopic.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who spent months in negotiations to portray the legendary soul singer, has turned down the film.

Crowe, who has been developing the project for four years, is now without a leading man again, according to Contactmusic.

The director has insisted that he will not be rushing the film and is determined to find the right actor for the job.

Speaking to Daily Variety, the filmmaker said: "It’s all about getting the contact high in a movie theatre that you can get from music. A record can change your life. Somebody poured their life into that little piece of music. To me, that’s a hero."