Antoine Fuqua to helm Michael Jackson's biopic

American filmmaker Antoine Fuqua will be helming the biopic of late singer-dancer Michael Jackson, titled Michael, for Lionsgate.

As per a Deadline report, the upcoming project will bring the life of the iconic singer onscreen, with the script penned by John Loggan. Michael will be backed by Graham King. John Branca and John McClain will be the executive producers.

Antoine is currently working on The Equalizer with Denzel Washington, which is in the final stages of production. Michael will begin production later this year, with Robert Richardson roped in as the cinematographer. The latter has worked in Antoine's Emancipation and Equalizer.

Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film," the Deadline report quoted Joe Drake of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, as saying.

Popularly referred to as King of Pop, Michael Jackson is one of the renowned pop culture icon. He popularised the moonwalk dance move, and holds 15 Grammy Awards, 39 Guinness World Records, one Golden Globe Award, to name a few. He died in 2009, at the age of 50.