Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, who is helming the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, described making the film as a "spiritual journey," underlining the challenges and inspiration behind showcasing the king of pop on the big screens.
Written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, the Lionsgate film will see Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the shoes of the legendary singer. Originally slated for an April 2025 release, Michael was later shifted to October of the same year before finally settling on its current date of April 24 this year.
"It's a very spiritual journey, making a movie about someone like Michael," Fuqua said in a video released by the studio. "Michael was a big influence on my career as a director, seeing how he refused to get put in a box as just a Black artist only," he shared.
"Michael's whole life was giving to people this joy of his voice," Fuqua continued. "When I watched him on TV, he was always larger than life. For me as a filmmaker, it wasn't a leap to see it in a cinematic way." He further emphasised that understanding Jackson required exploring the tension between his love for family and passion for music.
The biopic’s synopsis describes it as “an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known,” chronicling Jackson’s rise from child star to global phenomenon. Initially intended to cover Jackson's full life, the film will now conclude with his departure from The Jacksons following the release of his 1979 solo album, Off the Wall. According to sources, a second film remains in development that would focus on the rest of Jackson's career and path prior to his 2009 death.
The supporting cast is equally star-studded, with 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.
Additional cast includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as long-time friend and former security head, Bill Bray.