Michael Jackson Biopic Producer Says “We’ll Get Into All Of It”
Theater owners were given a first look at the trailer for the anticipated Michael Jackson biopic during a Lionsgate presentation at Cinemacon in Las Vegas. According to Variety, the clip starts with Jackson on stage, flashing between performances “Man in the Mirror” and “Thriller.” The film, titled Michael, promises more than 30 songs and recreates several performances.
“There are elements of drama, intrigue, and emotional states,” shared producer Graham King, who also called the biopic, “an inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived.” The outlet details how the movie is seven years in the making, with hundreds of people interviewed.
“We’ll get into all of it,” explained King. “Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the spotlight, he was simply a man — a man with a very complicated life.”
A previous report from Variety notes that King, as well as director Antoine Fuqua, and screenwriter John Logan, exclaim the allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson will not be glossed over in the film. The outlet was informed that the estate “put their trust in Graham King, stepping out of the creative process.”
Dan Reed, director of the 2019 documentary series Leaving Neverland, which chronicled the claims made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that the King of Pop maintained inappropriate, sexual, relationships with each boy in their youth, called the Michael screenplay “startlingly disingenuous” after reading a draft.
John Branca and co-executor John McClain are producers of the film.
Michael stars the chart-topping singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, as well as Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Additionally, Kendrick Sampson and Larenz Tate have joined the cast to play Quincy Jones and Berry Gordy, respectively.
Remaining announced talent includes the following: Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson, Jayden Harville as young Jermaine Jackson, Jamal R. Henderson as adult Jermaine Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as younger Marlon Jackson, Judah Edwards as young Tito Jackson, Rhyan Hill as adult Tito Jackson, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as younger Jackie Jackson, and Joseph David-Jones as adult Jackie Jackson.
Michael is due in theaters on April 18, 2025.
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