You know it was bound to happen, as nearly every major musical artist of the past 50 years gets a biopic at some point, but it appears that Michael Jackson is next up to get the big-screen treatment. But maybe more interesting than the fact that Jackson’s life and career will be highlighted in a new film is the fact that acclaimed filmmaker Antoine Fuqua is on board to direct.
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According to Lionsgate, Antoine Fuqua has signed on to direct, “Michael,” a new biopic about the tumultuous life and career of the iconic Michael Jackson. The film is produced by Graham King, who is the man behind “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and it will be written by John Logan, the acclaimed screenwriter of films such as “The Aviator” and “Gladiator.”
As you might expect, “Michael” aims to tell the story of Michael Jackson, from his start as a child singer in the group the Jackson 5 to eventually becoming the biggest pop star on the planet. It’ll be interesting to see how much of the controversial side of his life will be brought up, as the film is produced by King, and if “Bohemian Rhapsody” is any indication, the more sordid details could be tamed down for the film. Almost certainly, we can expect the film to shy away from the sexual assault allegations that he was accused of by underage boys, as “Michael” is made with the authorization of Michael Jackson’s estate.
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“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. “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.”
Joe Drake, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group added, “Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen ‘Michael’ as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make ‘Michael’ an unforgettable film.”
It’s unclear who might star in the film, in the title role especially. However, we should know soon enough as “Michael” is expected to begin production in 2023. If that’s the case, it’s a safe assumption to say that we could expect “Michael” to arrive in theaters in 2024.