F. Gary Gray will direct Marvin, a biopic on legendary Motown singer Marvin Gaye.

Italian Job helmer Gray admitted that the film was his "passion project, the one that I wake up every day thinking about". The film will be pitched to studios next week in a package that includes the music rights to Gaye's back catalogue.

Gaye's hits include 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough', 'Heard It Through The Grapevine' and 'What's Goin' On'.

Gray told Variety: "I'm going to tell a truthful story, and there is no shortage of drama and extreme conflict in a relationship with his father that at its core is Shakespearean and tragic.

"This isn't the average biopic of a rock star wrestling with drugs and women, but a man whose musical awakening became a call to action that questioned critical issues like a costly foreign war, recession, environment, inequality - issues that are relevant now."

Gaye was shot dead by his clergyman father in 1984 after the pair rowed over business documents.

David Foster will produce the film with Duncan McGillivray. Blood Diamond's C. Gaby Mitchell is attached to pen the screenplay.