The Michael Jackson movie has been in the works since 2017, with Grahm King overseeing things as the producer. King is well-known in Hollywood, having won an Oscar for ‘The Departed’ in 2007 and being nominated for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, the Freddie Mercury biopic, in 2018. Antoine Fuqua is taking the charge as director, known for his work on ‘Emancipation’ and ‘Training Day’ with Denzel Washington, as well as The Equalizer’.
The script, meanwhile, was crafted by none other than John Logan, a well-known screenwriter responsible for hits like “.0,” “007 – Skyfall,” “Gladiator,” “The Aviator,” and several other notable films. Logan’s talent has earned him numerous Oscar nominations for both original and adapted screenplays, and he even won a Golden Globe award for his work on “Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Lionsgate, a well-known American film distributor, will be in charge of bringing the movie ‘Michael’ to audiences in the United States. Outside of the U.S., Universal Pictures will handle distribution, except in Japan. The premiere of “Michael” is set for April 18, 2025, in the United States, April 20th in Brazil, and April 16th in France and Sweden.
“Michael” will bring audiences a fascinating and honest portrait of the brilliant but complicated man who became known worldwide as the king of pop. This epic, cinematic film will examine Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies – from his human side to his struggles public and private, to the accusations and the 24/7 media microscope that Jackson lived through, even at his artistic peak. The All star film crew will also capture Michael’s undeniable creative genius, recreating his most memorable and iconic performances. Like never before, audience will experience an inside look at one of the most influential and pioneering artists the world has ever known.
Cast announce so far –
Jaafar Jackson will portray Michael Jackson, with Juliano Valdi playing the role of Young Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo will take on the character of Joseph Jackson, while Nia Long will play Katherine Jackson.
Miles Teller is set to portray John Branca, and Jessica Sula will embody LaToya Jackson. Kat Graham will take on the role of Diana Ross, with Laura Harris as Suzanne De Passe.
Kendrick Sampson will portray Quincy Jones, and Larenz Tate will play Berry Gordy. Allan Wayne will bring Andy Warhol to life on the screen.
Joseph David Jones and Nathaniel McIntyre will respectively portray Jackie Jackson and young Jackie Jackson. Jamal Henderson and Jayden Harville will take on the roles of Jermaine Jackson and young Jermaine Jackson.
Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards will portray Tito Jackson and young Tito Jackson. Tre’ Horton and Jaylen Hunter will respectively play Marlon Jackson and young Marlon Jackson.
Payton McConville and Reid McConville will take on the roles of Paris Jackson and Prince Jackson. Kevin Shinick will portray Dick Clark, and Liv Symone will embody Gladys Knight.
Jason Pfister will play Halston, with Keilyn Jones as Bill Bray, and Katie Kay and Carly King in supporting roles. Hope Banks will portray a woman at the door #3,
Sound Tracks –
The film will feature over 30 songs from Michael Jackson’s extensive discography, covering both his time with the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons. Some confirmed tracks include “This Place Hotel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “ABC,” “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” and “Thriller.”
Recording locations –
The biopic will be filmed at iconic locations, including the Jackson family mansion in Encino and Neverland Ranch, which has been renovated for filming purposes. Other notable locations featured in the film sets will include the Tower Records music store and the Toys “R” Us toy store.
Trailer CinemaCon –
On April 10, 2024, CinemaCon, a big event for movie lovers, brought together producers, directors, actors, and industry insiders to share exciting news. During Lionsgate’s presentation, they treated the audience to a sneak peek of the “Michael” trailer, even though the film was still being worked on.
The footage begin with the scenes of screaming fans and cuts to Jackson as a little boy whose mother tells him, “there might be some people who think you’re different and that’s going to make life little harder for you, but you’ve never been like that. Someone else”
In Voiceover, an adult Jackson says of the performance: “it transports your entire being, this is how I want the world to be – Magical” “Man in the mirror” is a key song heard from beginning to the end. We also see the pop singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson as his uncle performing on stage. At one point his voiceover says,” when I’m not on stage, everything seems strange to me.” A voiceover from what appears to be Katherine Jackson adds, “you have a very special light, so let that light shine on the world.”
The Michael Jackson biopic is set to be a box office sensation. With a budget of about $155 million, the film is already creating a buzz, especially among distributor shareholders. Take Jon Feltheimer, for instance. After visiting the set of “Michael,” he was so impressed that he decided to increase his stake in Lionsgate, convinced that the film would be one of the company’s greatest successes.
What do you all think? Drop a comment below and let me know how excited you are to see the ‘Michael’ movie in theaters!
