Michael Jackson’s biopic will start production this year
A Michael Jackson biopic is on the way. Director Antoine Fuqua will helm the upcoming film, “Michael,” based on the King of Pop's life. Lionsgate will distribute the film worldwide.
Antoine Fuqua started in music videos before directing films such as Will Smith’s "Emancipation' and is currently filming "The Equalizer 3" with Denzel Washington. His long career has also included "Training Day", which won Washington an Oscar.
“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” said Fuqua in a statement. “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.”
The movie will be produced by Graham King, Oscar-winner for “The Departed” (2006), and three-time nominee for “The Aviator” (2004), “Hugo” (2011) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), which won four Oscars including best actor for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury.
Written by “Skyfall” scribe John Logan, “Michael” is said to give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.
John Branca and John McClain, executors of Jackson’s estate, will co-executive produce the film. His estate was also a major producer of "MJ The Musical", the hugely successful Broadway jukebox musical about Jackson’s life. Production on "Michael" is set to begin this year.
