Michael Jackson’s mom Katherine says family is ‘honored’ as Lionsgate picks up King of Pop biopic which promises ‘an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man’
- Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan has written the script, while Oscar-winning The Departed producer Graham King will produce
- King has 71 Oscar nods to his name, and received a Best Picture nomination for producing another recent musical biopic – 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody
- The biopic in collaboration with Jackson’s estate was first unveiled in 2019, but has only now found a studio
- According to Deadline the new biopic will cover the span of Jackson’s life from his childhood through to the civil and criminal lawsuits before his death
Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, will have his life reenacted in an upcoming biopic titled Michael.
Lionsgate has picked up distribution rights for the film, which was written by Gladiator writer John Logan, according to Deadline on Monday.
In a statement, Lionsgate said the film will be ‘an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.’
In-depth look: Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009, will have his life reenacted in an upcoming biopic titled Michael (pictured in 2005)
Michael is being made with the blessing of the deceased pop star’s estate, and his mother Katherine Jackson said the family are excited about the project.
‘Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema,’ she said. ‘As a family, we are honored to have our life story come alive on the big screen.’
Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan has written the script, while Oscar-winning The Departed producer Graham King will produce with John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate – which will allow the project access to Jackson’s music.
King has 71 Oscar nods to his name, and received a Best Picture nomination for producing another recent musical biopic – 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Distributor: Lionsgate picked up distribution rights for the film, which was written by Gladiator writer John Logan, Deadline reported (pictured 1992)
King explained that he is ‘humbled’ to be bringing the story to the screen almost four decades after he met the famous family.
He said: ‘I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I’m humbled to bring their legacy to the big screen. Sitting at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I could never have imagined that nearly 38 years later I would get the privilege to be a part of this film.’
King’s biopic in collaboration with Jackson’s estate and Logan was first unveiled in 2019, but has only now found a studio.
Jackson has sold more than 400 million records worldwide. He won 15 Grammys, a Golden Globe and he was inducted into the Rock and Rolle Hall of Fame twice.
Family approval: Michael is being made with the blessing of the deceased pop star’s estate, and his mother Katherine Jackson seems considerably excited about it
Life story: The new biopic will cover the span of Jackson’s life from his childhood with The Jackson Five right through to the civil and criminal lawsuits before his death
The Thriller singer has also been the focus of controversy for decades and even more so in recent years.
According to Deadline the new biopic will cover the span of Jackson’s life from his childhood with The Jackson Five right through to the civil and criminal lawsuits before his death at the age of 50 in 2009.
Joe Drake, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement, ‘I am very excited that Lionsgate will be part of this epic film, and thrilled to be working with Graham, who has proven success in telling iconic life stories, from Bohemian Rhapsody to Ali; when combined with John, we couldn’t be in more extraordinary hands.’
Allegations: James Safechuck, pictured second from left with singer Michael Jackson in 1988, and Wade Robson both said in Leaving Neverland that the King of Pop sexually abused them when they were children
In 1993, Los Angeles police announced they were investigating claims that Jackson molested four children.
Those allegations were once again brought to light in a 2019 four-hour HBO documentary, during which James Safechuck, who met the singer in 1986 when he was only 10 years old, and Wade Robson offered explicit details about the years-long abuse they say they suffered at the hands of Jackson, during which the singer would allegedly gain favor with the boys’ families by arranging for them to travel with him.
They said they were molested by the singer in his expansive Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara County, California — and at one point the King of Pop even staged a mock wedding complete with vows and a diamond ring with Safechuck.
Controversial figure: The Thriller singer has also been the focus of controversy for decades and even more so in recent years about allegations of molestation (pictured 2005)
Police later arrested Jackson on child molestation charges on November 20, 2003 after he was indicted on 10 criminal counts, including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He was eventually acquitted in 2005, and died in 2009 at the age of 50.
With the Jackson family’s involvement in the project, it’s unclear how the film will include the allegations.
A Michael Jackson musical titled MJ came out late last year, and a number of critics lambasted the show for skipping over that chapter of Jackson’s life.
Full picture? With the Jackson family’s involvement in the project, it’s unclear if the film will touch upon the allegations at all as the musical MJ skipped over them in the view of several critics; Myles Frost and Whitney Bashor seen in MJ on February 1 in NYC
Many of the reviews — including one for the New York Times — mentioned the fact that Jackson’s estate were involved in producing what was essentially an ‘authorized autobiography’, which is why the story featured such watered-down references.
As one review from Deadline read, ‘Within the musical’s universe, the closest MJ comes to confronting the topic is a vague reference to a family being invited on tour with the singer, but even that comment is open to interpretation: Is the business associate raising the issue merely worried about the expense of additional people on tour, or is he fretting about putting a young boy in such close proximity to the star?
‘Is the reference’s sense of foreboding rooted in concern for victims of child abuse, or for a victim of scheming blackmailers? MJ’s unspoken response: Decide for yourself.’
Acclaimed producer: Graham King, the biopic’s producer, has 71 Oscar nods to his name, and received a Best Picture nomination for another recent musical biopic – 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody
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