Michael Jackson was always interested in directing and acting, and he was a big fan of filmmaking. He even released a few films of his own, like, “The Wiz” “Moonwalker” and “Captain EO.” However, Jackson had dreams beyond music. Throughout his career, he made several attempts to become a movie star. His unique look and personality made it difficult for him to fit into typical roles, but that didn’t stop him. To improve his skills, he even took acting lessons from his good friend Marlon Brando. In this video, we’ll explore seven movies that Michael Jackson nearly starred in, giving you a glimpse into the film career that could have been.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 2005 movie directed by Tim Burton, based on the British novel of the same name. Michael Jackson initially wanted to audition for the role of Willy Wonka and recorded an entire soundtrack for the film. The production of the movie began in 1999. Although Warner Bros. never considered Jackson for the role, he couldn’t stop thinking about it once he heard about the project the following year. In the years that followed, Jackson eagerly anticipated discussions about playing Willy Wonka. He even went so far as to secretly record his own soundtrack for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at a small Los Angeles studio, supposedly between 2000 and 2003. In Michael’s mind, this was his way of trying to “bribe his way into getting the part.” Director Marc Schaffel, who had already worked on a few projects with Jackson, shared the music with Warner Bros. They loved the score and wanted to use it in the film, but they still didn’t agree to let Jackson play the role of Willy Wonka. Michael didn’t handle the rejection well and felt hurt that past accusations were still affecting his career. Warner Bros. suggested that if he sold them the soundtrack, he could name his price, and they would find him a role in the film, just not the lead. Jackson wasn’t interested and said, “If I can’t have the Willy Wonka part, then they’re not getting the soundtrack.” As a result, the score was shelved, and the role of Willy Wonka ultimately went to Johnny Depp.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” is a 1999 epic space opera movie written and directed by George Lucas. Michael Jackson was originally considered for the role of a major supporting character, Jar Jar Binks.
Ahmed Best an American actor who ultimately played the character – initially mentioned the role allowed him to meet Jackson during AMA on April 16, 2014. In July of the following year, Best was interviewed by vice.com, which asked the actor if he could give away more context behind Michael’s involvement.
Ahmed Best, along with Natalie Portman, George Lucas, and Lucas’s kids, attended Michael Jackson’s HIStory World Tour at Wembley Stadium between July 12 and 17, 1997. They went backstage to meet the King of Pop, who was accompanied by Lisa Marie Presley. George Lucas introduced Best as “Jar Jar,” which the actor found “kind of weird.” Jackson responded with “Oh, OK,” leaving Ahmed even more confused. Later, at an afterparty, Best asked Lucas about the introduction.
Michael Jackson initially approached George Lucas to play the role of Jar Jar Binks. However, the plans fell through because Jackson wanted to use prosthetics and makeup, similar to his work in “Thriller” and “Ghosts,” while Lucas preferred using CGI for the character.
Ahmed Best said, “My guess is ultimately Michael Jackson would have been bigger than the movie, and I don’t think he wanted that.”
Spider-Man
“Spider-Man” is a 2002 superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, based on the Marvel Comics character created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Michael Jackson, a huge fan of the character, came close to being involved in the movie.
Jackson was known to be a comic book fan, particularly of Marvel Comics, and he owned their merchandise at the Neverland Ranch. As the 1990s were coming to a close, production on a Spider-Man feature-length film began. Around that time, Stan Lee was approached by Michael, who invited him to Neverland Ranch several times.
Other time, Stan would confirm the King of Pop did in fact consider purchasing the entire Marvel company, simply in order to be able to play the character.
Lee would also confirm, that Jackson and himself were planning to buy the company jointly, but that the deal fell through. This would be further confirmed by Taj Jackson during an interview with the YouTube channel Popcorned Planet.
Since none of the plans worked out, the role eventually went to Tobey Maguire. However, Stan Lee claimed, “Jackson would have been good. I think he’d have been very good.” Besides Spider-Man, Michael also requested a role in the 2000 X-Men film, wanting to play Professor X. This plan also fell through, with Patrick Stewart ultimately playing the role.
Jackson was good friends with Stan Lee, who recalled the times they met, especially when Jackson visited Stan and his wife would take care of Michael’s son, Prince.
Cats Don’t Dance
“Cats Don’t Dance” is an American animated musical comedy film directed by Mark Dindal, released on March 26, 1997. Michael Jackson played a significant role behind the scenes of the film’s original version, though his version was never released. Work on the movie started in 1993. Unlike the final version, the artist’s vision for the film was a blend of live-action and CGI, planned for release in 1996.
The project was part of Lost Boys, a film company owned by Michael and David Kirschner, though it never materialized. Jackson played significant roles behind the scenes of “Cats Don’t Dance” as a producer and consultant for the music and choreography. Additionally, he was set to star as one of the characters, though the specific role is unknown. Unfortunately, by 1994 Michael Jackson dropped out of the production for unknown reasons. It is likely, that he was simply too busy with other things. Due to this, the artist’s version of the movie never saw a release.
Hook
“Hook” is a 1991 fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael Jackson was initially asked to play Peter Pan, a character he had famously associated himself with. According to Steven Spielberg, Michael Jackson “had always wanted to play Peter Pan”.
Spielberg revealed this information in a 2011 issue of Entertainment Weekly. He contacted Jackson because he knew of the artist’s fascination with the character. At first, Michael was interested in playing the lead role in the film. However, after Spielberg shared the story details, Jackson decided not to portray Peter Pan, as it wasn’t quite what he had in mind. The role ultimately went to Robin Williams.
But a Vanity Fair article published in 2003 claimed that Michael did not “understand”, as Spielberg put it.
It claimed Jackson was so angry with Spielberg that he paid a witch doctor $US150,000 to put a “voodoo curse” on the director in the hope he’d die.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Jackson loved the story of Quasimodo, a hunchback who lived in a cathedral, and his love for a street dancer from Victor Hugo’s tale. He watched the 1939 film version many times. Screenwriter Tom Hedley remembered talking with Jackson about him playing Quasimodo, but it never happened. Instead, Disney made an animated movie based on Hugo’s story in 1996.
Edward Scissorhands
Edward Scissorhands, with his wild hair, black clothes, and sense of being misunderstood in suburbia, is evidently inspired by Tim Burton’s own experiences as a teenager. Burton and screenwriter Caroline Thompson had been working on the character and story for years. However, Burton waited until the huge success of 1989’s Batman before making the highly personal movie, ensuring he had the freedom to create it without interference.
Michael Jackson heard about the character and really wanted to play the role. He tried to convince Burton for a long time, but Burton never responded to Jackson’s efforts, and Johnny Depp was eventually chosen for the role.
There are numerous similarities between the character of Edward, portrayed as a sensitive outsider, and Jackson’s own public image. Even the character’s attire closely resembled Jackson’s stage costumes during that time, raising questions about Jackson’s influence on the character’s development and vice versa.
Even though Michael Jackson didn’t appear in these movies, his influence on entertainment is huge. His music videos and stage show still captivate audiences worldwide. Thanks for joining us! Keep an eye out for more interesting stories in our next blog!
