THE FORMER wife of the late legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye has spoke of her displeasure at the creation of an upcoming film about his life.

Janis Hunter was married to the Got To Give It Up hit-maker from 1977 to 1981 and is not happy at the impending creation of the biopic, Sexual Healing.

Rock artiste Lenny Kravitz was previously cast to portray Gaye, who died after being shot by his father in 1984, in the Julien Temple-directed movie but quit the role.

Kravitz was replaced by Law & Order actor Jesse L. Martin but Hunter hopes that Martin will also step down.

Hunter told the New York Daily News: "Ultimately, I think it was Lenny's heart and soul and conscience that caused him to step away. Hopefully, that touches Jesse in the same way."

"I don't think Marvin is a very happy spirit right now. This is the last thing he would want to have happen.

"I haven't read the script (of the play), but it's supposed to be based on (Zeola Gaye's) book and I did read the book from cover to cover, and it was very difficult to read."