They just can't get enough.
Michael, a new musical biopic of the late Michael Jackson, is set to be released in 2025. Starring Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his first significant on-screen role, the film is expected to be released by Lionsgate and Universal April 18, 2025.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the biopic is not connected to MJ the Musical, the Michael Jackson jukebox musical currently running on Broadway. MJ the Musical takes audiences behind the scenes as Jackson prepares for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, providing an in-depth look at his process, and pivotal moments in his career up to that point.
Michael will instead explore the totality of Jackson's life, including the 17 tumultuous years he lived after the Dangerous World tour until his death in 2009. Produced by Graham King alongside John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Jackson‘s estate, it is likely that the film will fall in line with the Jackson family's longtime denial of the multiple allegations of child sexual abuse that were brought against the singer. In life, Jackson denied allegations of child sexual abuse and he was found not guilty of child molestation in 2003.
The 27-year-old Jaafar Jackson is Michael Jackson's nephew through his brother, Jermaine Jackson. "It's uncanny how much [Jaafar is] like Michael," Fuqua told Entertainment Weekly in a previous statement. "Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It's really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away."
The film's official synopsis reads: "Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale—from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known."
Michael will feature a screenplay by Tony winner John Logan (who wrote the play Red and the book for Moulin Rouge!). The film will begin production January 22.
