After breaking multiple records, Michael Jackson's biopic film Michael has locked its streaming release. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, the film follows Michael Jackson's life covering his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s. Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, played the lead portraying his uncle.
Released in theatres worldwide on April 24, Michael garnered polarising reviews from fans of the 'King of Pop' and audiences for showcasing a "sanitised" version of his story by removing references to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations against him. Audiences were also not convinced with the film ending with the 80s. However, despite these criticisms, the film went on to break several records at the box office, grossing $1.016 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing biographical film. It also became the highest-grossing music biopic of all time, overtaking Bohemian Rhapsody.
An excerpt from our CE review of the film reads, "There is some entertainment value in seeing Jaafar Jackson’s impeccable impersonation of the King of Pop, with the several 1:1 recreations of Michael Jackson’s music videos and stage performances. It was amazing listening to his greatest hits played in the theatre, but it is undeniable that the original is vastly more entertaining and energetic."
The supporting cast of Michael 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.
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.
Michael will be available to stream on JioHotstar from August 29.