Acclaimed Director, Antoine Fuqua, has been tapped to direct a biopic about the complex story of the late Michael Jackson.
The new film will retell the story of the King of Pop under Lionsgate, with Graham King producing and John Logan behind the script, according to Variety.
“For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson,” Fuqua shares in a statement with Variety.
“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.”
It’s unclear what the official synopsis for the project will be, but it will focus on all aspects of Jackson’s career, from The Jackson 5’s child artist to his award-winning solo career.
Fuqua’s most recent film was Emancipation, a period drama starring Will Smith inspired by the story behind the infamous “Back of the Executioner” photo that documented the scarred back of a former slave named Gordon.
Fuqua’s next project will be The Equalizer 3, in which Denzel Washington meets Dakota Fanning for the first time since 2004’s Man on Fire.
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The film, since approved by Michael Jackson’s estate has known Hollywood talents working to make it a masterpiece.
The screenplay is written by John Logan, who won three Academy Award nominations (The Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo) and a Tony Award for Best Play (2010’s In Red) for his screenplay.
Michael will be co-produced by Graham King – who worked on the Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – as well as John Branca and John Mcain.
When ‘Michael’ was first announced, the film promised to “deliver an in-depth portrait of the complex man who became the King of Pop.”
However, given the involvement of the Jackson estate, it’s unclear how or if the pedophilia allegations against the late singer will be investigated.
Jackson’s estate and family have vehemently denied the allegations, especially as they were detailed in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland.
The Broadway musical biopic MJ – which also has estate support – makes no mention of the allegations.
