The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic is beginning with the man in the mirror. On Wednesday, Lionsgate offered a surprise first look at “Michael,” an upcoming film about the King of Pop directed by Antoine Fuqua, renowned for his work on “Training Day,” and produced by Graham King, the mastermind behind “Bohemian Rhapsody.” King took the stage at CinemaCon to present the first footage of the film, even though the project is still in production.
“In a biopic, there is an added expectation to represent an adaptive, authentic portrayal that’s faithful to the subject,” said King. “There are biopics, and then there’s Michael Jackson. An enigma, full of eccentricity, electrifying talent, arguably the most famous entertainer to ever grace the planet. And yet, behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations, under the grinding media spotlight, he was simply a man. A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will delve into all of it, including over 30 songs, recreating some of the most iconic performances on stage as well as his life out of the public eye.”
A Comprehensive Look at a Complex Life
The promise to “get into all of it” is striking, especially considering that “Leaving Neverland” director Dan Reed recently blasted the biopic, calling it “a complete whitewash.” Reed’s 2019 documentary focuses on the allegations made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who both claim that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children in the late ’80s and early-to-mid ’90s. Reed told The Times of London, “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.” Reed made these remarks after reading a draft of the “Michael” script.
Despite these controversies, the filmmakers are committed to presenting a full spectrum of Michael Jackson’s life. Fuqua is directing from a script by John Logan, known for his work on “Skyfall.” The film stars Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson (Jermaine Jackson’s son) in his big screen debut. The cast also includes Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Nia Long, and more.
The Making of a Cinematic Event
“When you consider Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life, his career triumphs, personal challenges, his artistry, musical legacy, his story is certainly one that’s worthy of a cinematic event presentation,” said King. “For the first time, not only the hundreds of fans around the world, but generations of moviegoers will come together to experience an inside look into one of the most prolific artists to ever live.”
King elaborated on his filmmaking philosophy: “The stories I’ve always gravitated to have characters that are multi-dimensional, with elements of drama, intrigue, conflict, and emotional stakes. I try to find the untold version of the story and set it from a perspective that hopefully gives the audience something new to take away creatively. As you can only imagine, Michael Jackson ticks all those boxes.”
Capturing the Essence of Michael Jackson
CinemaCon attendees were treated to the first footage of Jaafar as Michael, which showcased the actor executing many of Jackson’s signature dance moves and replicating his uncle’s voice, which reporters called “spot on.” The footage also featured Jackson as Michael saying, “When I’m performing, I feel alive, but when I’m not onstage, everything feels foreign to me.” Additionally, the footage showcased a younger Michael as a member of the Jackson 5.
Nia Long, portraying Jackson’s mother, is heard in the trailer saying, “Michael, there might be some people who think you’re different. And that’s gonna make life a little harder for you… but you never were like anyone else.”
The footage concluded with a title card that touts, “Beyond the music, beyond the legend, beyond the controversy, discover the man.”
A Film Shrouded in Anticipation and Controversy
The anticipation surrounding “Michael” is palpable. Jackson’s life and career have always been subjects of immense public interest, marked by incredible highs and deeply troubling lows. From his groundbreaking music and iconic performances to the controversies that plagued his later years, Jackson’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy.
Graham King’s commitment to capturing the entirety of Jackson’s life story is a bold move. The producer’s previous success with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which brought Freddie Mercury’s life to the big screen, has set a high bar. However, Michael Jackson’s life, with its unparalleled fame and equally unparalleled scrutiny, presents a unique challenge.
The Legacy of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s legacy is multifaceted. As a performer, he revolutionized music and dance. His albums, such as “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Dangerous,” remain some of the best-selling records of all time. His music videos redefined the medium, transforming it into an art form. Jackson’s influence extends beyond music; he broke racial barriers, becoming one of the first black artists to gain a massive crossover following on MTV.
Yet, his legacy is also shadowed by allegations of sexual abuse, financial troubles, and erratic behavior. These controversies have divided fans and the public, with some steadfastly defending Jackson’s innocence and others convinced of his guilt. The biopic “Michael” aims to navigate these complexities, presenting a nuanced portrait of a man who was both idolized and vilified.
The Artistic Vision of Antoine Fuqua and John Logan
Director Antoine Fuqua is known for his ability to handle complex characters and intense narratives. His film “Training Day” is a testament to his skill in bringing out the intricacies of human nature. With “Michael,” Fuqua faces the task of capturing the essence of Jackson’s character, his artistry, and his personal struggles.
John Logan, the screenwriter, brings his experience from films like “Skyfall” and “Gladiator” to the project. His ability to craft compelling stories with rich characters is crucial in telling Jackson’s story. Logan’s script aims to provide a balanced view, showcasing Jackson’s genius while not shying away from the darker aspects of his life.
Jaafar Jackson: A Nephew’s Tribute
Casting Jaafar Jackson as his uncle Michael is a poignant choice. Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson, has grown up in the shadow of his famous family. Taking on the role of his iconic uncle is both a tribute and a monumental challenge. Jaafar’s performance will be scrutinized not only for its accuracy but also for its ability to capture the spirit of Michael Jackson.
Early footage indicates that Jaafar has embraced this challenge, executing his uncle’s famous dance moves and vocal style with impressive fidelity. This casting choice adds a layer of authenticity to the film, connecting the portrayal directly to the Jackson family.
A Journey Through Music and Personal Struggles
“Michael” promises to be more than just a chronological recounting of events. The film aims to delve deep into Jackson’s psyche, exploring his motivations, fears, and the pressures of his extraordinary life. The inclusion of over 30 of Jackson’s songs will help to weave his musical legacy into the narrative, providing a soundtrack to his life story.
The biopic will recreate some of Jackson’s most iconic performances, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his solo career. These performances are crucial in understanding Jackson’s impact on the music industry and his connection with audiences worldwide.
Addressing the Controversies
One of the most challenging aspects of the biopic will be its handling of the allegations of sexual abuse. These allegations have cast a long shadow over Jackson’s legacy, and any portrayal of his life must address them. Producer Graham King has promised a comprehensive look at Jackson’s life, which suggests that the film will not shy away from these difficult topics.
The goal is to present a balanced view, allowing audiences to form their own opinions based on a full understanding of the facts. This approach is likely to be met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the divided opinions about Jackson’s life and legacy.
The Impact of “Michael”
The release of “Michael” is set for April 18, 2025, and it is already generating significant buzz. The film has the potential to reignite discussions about Jackson’s life and legacy, bringing his story to a new generation of viewers. It also has the potential to become a cultural touchstone, much like previous music biopics.
For fans of Michael Jackson, the film offers a chance to see their idol’s story told on the big screen. For those less familiar with his life, it provides an opportunity to understand the man behind the music. And for everyone, it offers a chance to reflect on the complexities of fame, talent, and personal struggle.
The Future of Music Biopics
“Michael” is part of a growing trend of music biopics that aim to capture the lives of iconic artists. These films not only entertain but also serve as historical records, preserving the legacies of artists for future generations. The success of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Rocketman” has shown that there is a strong appetite for these stories.
The challenge for filmmakers is to balance entertainment with accuracy, providing a compelling narrative while staying true to the facts. “Michael” aims to meet this challenge by offering a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of one of the most famous and controversial figures in music history.
Conclusion
The upcoming biopic “Michael” promises to be a thorough exploration of Michael Jackson’s life, from his extraordinary career to his personal struggles. With Antoine Fuqua directing, John Logan writing, and Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, the film is poised to be a significant cinematic event.
Producer Graham King’s commitment to authenticity and comprehensive storytelling ensures that “Michael” will be more than just a tribute; it will be a detailed and nuanced look at a complex and fascinating life. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, and the world waits to see the man in the mirror brought to life on the big screen.
