A Michael Jackson biopic is currently brewing at Lionsgate headquarters as director Antoine Fuqua takes on the project. The upcoming film, entitled Michael, will take fans back in time to when the pop star and alleged abuser was at the height of his career.
The script will be provided by John Logan, who also wrote Gladiator and Skyfall, and will be produced by Graham King and the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain. The project has been in development since 2019, but due to Fuqua’s busy schedule, the film has been set aside.
Antoine Fuqua Will Helm A Michael Jackson Film
Michael will heavily focus on the early stages of the singer’s success up to his tragic sedative-induced death. The movie will have musical numbers, but many would be eager to know how the production team would tackle the allegations that tarnished his career.
In a statement released by Antoine Fuqua, as per The Hollywood Reporter, he shared how Jackson inspired and influenced his early works:
“For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”
Lionsgate will attempt to address the controversies that surrounded Jackson’s life, although it is still kept a mystery as to how they will approach such a sensitive topic. Jackson was accused of sexually abusing children. There might be a contradicting perspective since Jackson’s estate will also co-produce the film.
The studio will take charge of the movie’s domestic distribution as they are currently seeking an international collaborator. Musical biopics have been very successful in recent years, such as the famous Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis.
Antoine Fuqua’s recently finished project, Emancipation, featured the iconic yet controversial Will Smith. The director is now working with Denzel Washington for The Equalizer 3.
Fans Revolt Against Upcoming ‘Michael’ Biopic
It seems that fans are not enthusiastic about the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Many have expressed their disapproval regarding the resurrection of the singer’s life and controversies. Check out their tweets below:
Please don’t. Leave this man alone.
— Brandon Victor Dixon (@BrandonVDixon) January 18, 2023
I'm terrified for this Michael Jackson biopic, I feel like every last one besides "the Jacksons: an American dream" has disrespected him in some way…,#MichaelJackson
— #MJInnocent (@MjInnocent__) January 19, 2023
i do not want a Michael Jackson biopic.
— i jus do things. (@Shannon_Wallace) January 19, 2023
I don’t think a Michael Jackson biopic is a good idea.
— Desmond the Friendly(ish) Giant 🧡 (@simplydesmond) January 19, 2023
Great director. Great producers. Do I want a Michael Jackson biopic? Hell to the damn no. Enough. Let him rest. They continue to notch our iconic BLACK heroes. We got it with Whitney and I don’t want it with Michael. The musicals are great but after some thinking… naw I’m good.
— Raymond Govan (@RaymondGovan2) January 19, 2023
The production for the Michael biopic is reported to commence this year. This is the latest project to feature the late Michael Jackson, while other documentaries include the concert This Is It, the MJ musical, and HBO’s Leaving Neverland.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
