©Michael Jackson: Video Greatest Hits – HIStory
Lionsgate is postponing the release of its Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, by almost six months,Deadline is reporting. The musical drama is vacating next year’s Easter weekend of April 18-20. The distributor will instead release the film over the weekend of Oct. 3-5, 2025. Universal, meanwhile, is handling the movie’s international release.
The biopic stars the Grammy-winning singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role. The drama is being directed by Training Day helmer, Antoine Fuqua.
Michael, which is being produced by Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King, is now being distributed in the U.S. during next year’s awards season. Lionsgate hopes to replicate the success of the Queen–driven biopic, which opened to critical and commercial success on Nov. 2, 2018.
Bohemian Rhapsody garnered $51 million in America during its opening weekend. The film went on to gross $216.4 million domestically and $903.6 million worldwide. The movie also won four Oscars, including Best Actor for Rami Malek’s performance as Queen’s singer-songwriter, Freddie Mercury.
Michael, which was written by John Logan, chronicles the legendary recording artist’s public and private struggles. Besides King, John Branca and John McClain are also serving as producers on the biopic.
Besides Jaafar Jackson, the rest of the drama’s cast includes Nia Long and Colman Domingo as the eponymous singer’s parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson. The film also stars Miles Teller as the musician’s long-time lawyer, John Branca, and Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of the singer.
Michael will also feature Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. Kat Graham plays Diana Ross, the lead singer of the chart-topping Motown group The Supremes. Jessica Sula plays Michael’s older sister, La Toya, the fifth child and middle daughter of the Jackson family. She also launched a solo career of her own, during which she released multiple albums in the 1980s.
On its new date, Michael will open alongside Miramax/Paramount’s true crime movie, Roofman, which stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, Peter Dinklage and LaKeith Stanfield. Michael will also open a week before Tron: Ares, the third installment in Disney’s beloved sci-fi action franchise, which features Jared Leto.
Lionsgate has released the following synopsis for Michael:
Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop. This epic, cinematic film will examine Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies — from his human side, to his public and private struggles, to the accusations and the 24/7 media microscope Jackson lived under, even at his artistic apex.
The all-star filmmaking team will also capture Michael’s undeniable creative genius, recreating his most memorable, iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.
The production is cooperating with the Jackson estate. As a result, the filmmakers will be able to use the singer’s music in the feature. The biopic will include 30 songs from Jackson’s catalog.
If you liked this article, please share your comment below.