Michael Jackson has been the talk of the town, nearly 17 years after his death, thanks to the release of his biopic Michael, starring his nephew Jafaar Jackson in the lead. While audiences are familiar with his discography, filled with iconic songs, not many know about his filmography that is filled with him playing unique characters. One of the movies that he made an unexpected blink-and-you-will-miss-it cameo was in Men in Black II (2002), directed by Barry Sonnenfeld.
Reportedly, 'The King of Pop' was in tears after watching Men in Black (1997) at a theatre in Paris, following which Jackson contacted Sonnenfeld and expressed his interest to play an MIB agent in his upcoming film. The singer badly wanted to play a key role in the sequel, but Sonnenfeld initially gave him an alien character that Jackson refused to play. “All that mattered to him was that he wore that black suit,” Sonnenfeld said, as mentioned in his memoir Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time.
While Sony Pictures and exec Amy Pascal were hoping Jackson's appearance could boost the film's visibility and revenue, the road to casting him was filled with hurdles as the singer refused to leave Sonenfeld's trailer, in an attempt to win a lead role. He also came in red pajamas, asking him, "Mr. Barry, can we do this tomorrow?". Pascal and Sonenfeld had to convince Jackson for hours but Jackson eventually won a role as Agent M in the film.
He comes on a monitor with MIB's head Zed, whom Jackson kept calling as "Zeke". He had also asked the makers if the name could be changed for him. The actor made a screen appearance for just 22 seconds. "I could tell Michael was nervous,” Sonnenfeld told BBC in an earlier interview. He also described Jackson as a "frightened, delicate child."
But for Jackson, this was an unforgettable experience. He also made a handwritten thank-you note on red paper, explaining how they had fulfilled his "lifelong dream".
The noted singer's recent biopic has already crossed $200 million in box office revenue. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, it follows his life, covering his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the 1980s Bad tour. The film is turning out to be a box office blockbuster despite polarising reviews from fans and critics.
The supporting features Colman Domingo and Nia Long playing Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson; Miles Teller appearing as John Branca, the singer’s long-time advisor and attorney; Larenz Tate portraying Motown legend Berry Gordy; Laura Harrier playing music executive Suzanne de Passe; and Kat Graham appearing as Diana Ross.