Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
A Michael Jackson biopic is currently brewing at Lionsgate headquarters as director Antoine Fuqua takes on the project. The upcoming film, entitledMichael, will take fans back in time to when the pop star and alleged abuser was at the height of his career.
The script will be provided by John Logan, who also wroteGladiatorandSkyfall, and will be produced by Graham King and the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain. The project has been in development since 2019, but due to Fuqua’s busy schedule, the film has been set aside.
RELATED:“My deepest hope is that my actions don’t penalize my team”: Will Smith Expresses Anxiety for Upcoming Film Emancipation as Many Plan to Boycott the Movie Due to His Oscars Slap
Antoine Fuqua Will Helm A Michael Jackson Film
Michaelwill heavily focus on the early stages of the singer’s success up to his tragic sedative-induced death. The movie will have musical numbers, but many would be eager to know how the production team would tackle the allegations that tarnished his career.
In a statement released by Antoine Fuqua, as perThe Hollywood Reporter, he shared how Jackson inspired and influenced his early works:
“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.”
Lionsgate will attempt to address the controversies that surrounded Jackson’s life, although it is still kept a mystery as to how they will approach such a sensitive topic. Jackson was accused of sexually abusing children. There might be a contradicting perspective since Jackson’s estate will also co-produce the film.
The studio will take charge of the movie’s domestic distribution as they are currently seeking an international collaborator. Musical biopics have been very successful in recent years, such as the famousBohemian RhapsodyandElvis.
Antoine Fuqua’s recently finished project,Emancipation, featured the iconic yet controversial Will Smith. The director is now working with Denzel Washington forThe Equalizer 3.
RELATED:After Queen Latifah’s Equalizer Series Ends Up a Ratings Bust, Denzel Washington Returns to Save Franchise With Equalizer 3
Fans Revolt Against Upcoming ‘Michael’ Biopic
It seems that fans are not enthusiastic about the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Many have expressed their disapproval regarding the resurrection of the singer’s life and controversies. Check out their tweets below:
Please don’t. Leave this man alone.
— Brandon Victor Dixon (@BrandonVDixon)August 19, 2025
I’m terrified for this Michael Jackson biopic, I feel like every last one besides “the Jacksons: an American dream” has disrespected him in some way…,#MichaelJackson
— #MJInnocent (@MjInnocent__)July 10, 2025
i do not want a Michael Jackson biopic.
— i jus do things. (@Shannon_Wallace)July 07, 2025
I don’t think a Michael Jackson biopic is a good idea.
— desmond 👀☺️ (@simplydesmond)July 22, 2025
Great director. Great producers. Do I want a Michael Jackson biopic? Hell to the damn no. Enough. Let him rest. They continue to notch our iconic BLACK heroes. We got it with Whitney and I don’t want it with Michael. The musicals are great but after some thinking… naw I’m good.
— Raymond Govan (@RaymondGovan2)Jul 20, 2025
The production for theMichaelbiopic is reported to commence this year. This is the latest project to feature the late Michael Jackson, while other documentaries include the concertThis Is It, theMJmusical, and HBO’sLeaving Neverland.
Source:The Hollywood Reporter
RELATED:“Are they competing with WB?”: Netflix Sets Course For Massive Failure After Introducing Ad-Supported Plan to Win Streaming War Against HBO Max and Disney+
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3533
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
