Michael Jackson Biopic: Antoine Fuqua to direct a film about the complicated life of the King of Pop

Lionsgate is proud to announce Antoine Fuqua (Emancipation, Training Day) will direct the highly-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. Academy Award-winning producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) joins the project, with principal photography lined up for 2023. Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan will write the screenplay for Michael, co-executive produced by the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca, and John McClain.

According to the project’s official press release, Michael “will give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.”

“Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project,” Drake said. “His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film.”

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” Fuqua remarked. “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,” says producer Graham King. “I’m confident that Antoine will make an exceptional and compelling film that will both celebrate and give profound new insights into the life of the King of Pop.”

Known throughout the world as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson’s legacy is the stuff of legend. He is the biggest-selling artist of all time, the most awarded entertainer, and the driving force behind the biggest album of all time, Thriller. Despite living a complicated life, Jackson continues to influence generations of fans today. Just ask my 11-year-old niece. She’s obsessed with MJ. Something special about his music and hypnotic stage presence make him immortal.

Jackson lived a complicated life of childhood stardom, body dysmorphic disorder, disturbing allegations about his friendships with young fans, and more. Jackson endured despite being dragged through the mud, remaining a gift to the music industry and more.

What do you think about Fuqua taking on the director role for Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic? Are you still a fan of the Gloved One? Feel free to let us know in the comments.