I hope he turns into a giant robot in this one too.
The film industry has seen a recent surge in highly acclaimed biographical movies about iconic musicians. Films about Elvis and Bob Marley have seen both critical acclaim and box office success, and the trend doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. Our focus now turns to 2025, the year marked for the release of a film about the enigmatic figure that was Michael Jackson. The movie, currently being directed by Antoine Fuqua, is gaining notable interest, particularly after a significant endorsement from a major studio executive.
Michael Jackson Biopic in the Works
The Michael Jackson biographical film, simply titled “Michael”, is currently in development and being directed by highly esteemed director Antoine Fuqua. Alongside the buzz generated by the announcement, interesting details have started unfolding—the latest being a notable vote of confidence from a significant figure in the film industry.
Jon Feltheimer, CEO of Lionsgate, is reported to have purchased shares in the company around the time he visited the set of the film. Considered a fiscally conservative executive, this move by Feltheimer certainly raised eyebrows. Michael Burns, the company’s vice chair, suggests that Feltheimer’s decision was influenced by the potential he saw in the upcoming biopic project.
Star-Studded Cast and High Expectations
The biopic, set to humanize the late King of Pop, features Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, playing the role of the legendary entertainer. Antoine Fuqua, noted for his enthusiasm about Jaafar stepping into the iconic shoes of his late uncle, has drawn attention to the remarkable physical resemblance between the two.
The film features a strong cast, including Oscar nominee Colman Domingo playing the Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Joe’s wife, Katherine Jackson, and other key roles filled by prominent actors such as Miles Teller and Laura Harrier.
Controversies Surrounding the Film
Despite the anticipation and initial triumphs of the movie, it has also gathered some criticism, particularly from Dan Reed, the director of “Leaving Neverland”. Reed’s documentary had sharply focused on some rather grim aspects of Michael Jackson’s life, including accusations of sexual abuse. In contrast, the upcoming biopic chooses to explore a different facet of Jackson’s life.
What to Expect?
Given the larger-than-life persona of Michael Jackson and the talent of the cast and crew involved in the project, expectations are high for the movie. The film promises to offer an extravagant but humanizing view of the iconic pop star. The seal of approval from Jon Feltheimer, the Lionsgate CEO himself, further boosts the prospective popularity of the film.
Wrapping Up
“Michael” is set to open in theaters on April 18, 2025, potentially adding to the wave of successful musical biopics in recent years. For those intrigued by the pattern and looking to catch up on great biopics about Black musicians, you can discover more films on this topic at HitPlay.
