Michael Jackson’s Biopic “Michael” To Be Helmed By Antione Fuqua From Lionsgate

Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua will direct the upcoming biopic on the life of “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, titled “Michael” from Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, which will distribute the film globally.

The principal photography is set to begin in 2023. The film will be produced by Graham King, Oscar-winner for “The Departed” (2006), and three-times nominee for “The Aviator” (2004), “Hugo” (2011) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), which won four Oscars and one was taken home by Rami Malek for best actor for playing Freddy Mercury.

Michael‘s writer John Logan will give the audience an in-depth and untold portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer’s journey of becoming the “King of Pop”. It is unclear how the film will treat controversies surrounding the icon’s life as it is filmed jointly with his estates which have guarded him against the accusations of sexually abused children.

The film will show every aspect of the singer’s life, including his colossal performances that made him an unparalleled entertainer. Logan has won three Oscars for “Gladiator” (2000), “The Aviator” and “Hugo”. Logan has written screenplays for films like “Rango” (2011), “Skyfall” (2012) and “Alien: Covenant” (2017).

Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate, said “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”.

Director Fuqua said, “The first film of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining and music are a deep part of who I am.”

“For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work- the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.

“Antoine’s films provide personal perspectives of larger-than-life characters that continuously captivate global audiences”, Graham King adds.

Antione Fuqua’s previous directorial work includes, “Training Day” (2001), which gave actor Denzel Washington the best actor award, as well as “The Magnificent Seven” (2016), “The Guilty” (2021) and most recent “Emancipation” (2022).