Antoine Fuqua will be directing the new Lionsgate biopic on Michael Jackson, which is set to begin shooting this year. The controversial “King of Pop” singer died in 2009 at the age of 50.
Titled Michael, the film will be produced by Graham King based on a script by John Logan, “Michael” is said to give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time. Co-producers will be John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Michael Jackon’s estate.
“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. “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.
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Graham King was the Oscar-winning producer of The Departed (2006), an Oscar winner. He also garnered Oscar nominations for The Aviator (2004), Hugo (2011), and Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), the third of which won four Oscars including a best actor trophy for Rami Malek in the role of Freddie Mercury. Screenwriter John Logan captured three Oscar nominations for his work on Gladiator (2000) as well as The Aviator and Hugo. He also co-wrote the screenplay for Skyfall (2012).
Fuqua’s previous directorial credits include “Training Day” (2001), which earned star Denzel Washington the best actor statuette, “The Magnificent Seven” (2016), “The Guilty” (2021) and most recently “Emancipation.”
Given the involvement of Michael Jackson’s co-executors, it’s still unclear how the upcoming film will address the more controversial aspects of the singer’s personal life, such as his drug use and alleged scandals.