The King of Pop is set to receive the biopic treatment, with director Antoine Fuqua the man behind “Training Day,” and producer Graham King teaming up to tackle the controversial life and legacy of Michael Jackson according to The Guardian. Entitled Michael, the upcoming biopic is set to chronicle the highs and lows of the music icon’s career. However, the venture into this territory has been met with mixed reactions, leaving some to wonder whether the filmmakers will tackle these allegations head-on or shy away from them entirely.
There’s also a new Jackson taking center stage. Jaafar Jackson, nephew to the legendary King of Pop, is set to star in Lionsgate’s upcoming biopic “Michael,” portraying none other than his uncle. While this will be Jaafar’s first major film role, his portrayal of MJ is sure to be a hit, as the young actor was selected after a worldwide casting search. With a script penned by John Logan, the writer behind “Gladiator” and multiple James Bond films.
With the music biopic genre thriving off the success of films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, it’s no surprise that filmmakers are looking to cash in on the public’s fascination with the icons of the music industry. However, unlike the aforementioned films, Michael intends to navigate its subject’s controversial history stated Lionsgate Studio according to the Hollywood Reporter. Jackson’s legacy has long been a topic of debate, with allegations of child s*xual abuse casting a shadow over his music career. Some wonder how the film will approach this issue, if at all.
According to Variety, it will be a ‘never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop’ but it remains to be seen how deep the film will delve into Jackson’s past. Some have criticized the film as an attempt to whitewash Jackson’s legacy, or to capitalize on his fame despite the allegations against him. Others believe that the film has the potential to shed light on the truth about Jackson’s life, and that it could provide some insight into the man behind the music.
Antoine Fuqua also added that “The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” said Fuqua in a statement reported by The Guardian “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.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Michael, it’s clear that the biopic is a highly anticipated event for many music fans. It remains to be seen whether the film will live up to expectations. One thing is for sure, though – Michael Jackson remains a fascinating figure, even years after his death.