A Michael Jackson biopic is in the works, with Antoine Fuqua (Emancipation) set to direct. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the title of the film will simply be titled Michael. John Logan (Gladiator) penned the script.
To make a biopic on a musician like Michael Jackson, the film has gathered Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King will produce. Co-executors of the pop star’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, will produce.
Lionsgate confirmed the story would focus on all parts of the late star’s life, from his professional life to his personal. It is unclear if that means it will tackle the allegations of him sexually abusing children. The estate has defended his name against accusations, so it is unclear how it may intervene on the subject if brought up in the film. The subject is still relatively fresh in people’s minds after the HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland, which heavily focused on the subject.
Michael Jackson biopic to be directed by Antoine Fuqua
Regardless of mixed results, Lionsgate has been determined to keep delivering movies based on famous musicians. Bohemian Rhapsody, the film about Queen, won four Oscars and grossed $910 million. Last year’s Elvis with Austin Butler as the King of Rock and Roll earned $287 million. Last December, the Whitney Houston movie, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, bombed after grossing $49 million worldwide. Still, it has not deterred the studio from moving forward with the Michael Jackson biopic.
The pop star had a slew of success and controversies. While having faced accusations for years of sexual abuse, his music career was still one of the most successful in history. He died in 2009 at 50.
Michael Jackson biopic director Antoine Fuqua most recently did the Will Smith film Emancipation. He has also helmed every movie of The Equalizer, which Denzel Washington leads. He directed Southpaw, the boxing film with Jake Gyllenhaal.
