‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ producer to create new Michael Jackson biopic
The new film, titled 'Michael', is promised to be "an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man"
A new Michael Jackson biopic, made with the blessing of the late singer’s estate, is in the works from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ producer Graham King.
According to Variety, John Logan (‘Skyfall’) is writing the screenplay for the new film, titled ‘Michael’, for Lionsgate.
Alongside King, co-executors of Jackson‘s estate, John Branca and John McClain, will co-produce the film.
In a statement discussing his involvement, King said: “I’m humbled to bring their legacy to the big screen. Sitting at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I could never have imagined that nearly 38 years later I would get the privilege to be a part of this film.”
Jackson’s mother Katherine added: “Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema. As a family, we are honoured to have our life story come alive on the big screen.”
A press release says that Michael “will give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.”
Michael Jackson died aged 50 in 2009. In 2019, an HBO documentary titled ‘Leaving Neverland’ featured allegations of sexual abuse from Jackson dating back to the 1990s from choreographer Wade Robson and former child actor James Safechuck. Prior to his death, Jackson denied all allegations.
In 2019, when news first broke that King had acquired the rights to make a biopic on Jackson, it was said that the movie isn’t “intended to be a sanitised rendering of Jackson’s life”.