Photo Credit: Drew H. Cohen / CC by 3.0
A new Michael Jackson biopic is in the works at Lionsgate with director Antoine Fuqua attached.
The film will explore the legendary musician’s life in a biopic simply titled, ‘Michael.’ Graham King is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson,” director Antoine Fuqua told The Hollywood Reporter.
“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 new Michael Jackson biopic will address all aspect of Jackson’s life–but it’s unclear how the controversies may be represented. The film is being made in cooperation with the Michael Jackson estate, which has historically defended the singer against accusations. The estate even sued HBO Max over its role in distributing the documentary Leaving Neverland.
Bohemian Rhapsody grossed over $900 million worldwide and created a whole new wave of interest in Queen’s music. Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic has generated around $300 million worldwide, further showcasing the appetite for films about past music icons.
“Antoine’s films provide personal perspectives of larger-than-life characters that continuously captivate global audiences,” adds producer Graham King. “I’m confident that Antoine will make an exceptional and compelling film that will both celebrate and give profound new insights into the life of the King of Pop.”
Michael Jackson’s complicated path to stardom started early with his father Joe, driving the Jackson 5 hard to become pop sensations. Deadline reports that the film may begin later in Jackson’s life and then reflect on the making of his talent and the damage that work ethic inflicted on his life.