Michael Jackson biopic

Photo Credit: Constru-centro / CC by 4.0

Lionsgate and Universal will release a new Michael Jackson biopic in 2025, promising to profile a ‘brilliant yet complicated man.’

Lionsgate has announced the beginning of production on director Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael,” a new Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson. Production starts January 22, with the film slated for an April 18, 2025 release.

Scripted by John Logan (“Gladiator,” “The Aviator,”) and produced by Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody,”) the film follows “the complicated man who becomes the King of Pop, from triumphs to tragedies, from his human side and personal struggles to his creative genius.” John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate, also serve as producers.

“Michael” has been in the pipeline since late 2019, with King having secured the rights from the Michael Jackson Estate to all the late singer-songwriter’s music. Lionsgate snatched up the project in February 2022, and will release the movie stateside, while Universal handles international distribution.

Jaafar Jackson, the 27-year-old nephew of Michael and son of former Jackson 5 member Jermaine, landed the title role in January last year. Director Fuqua says it’s “uncanny how much he’s like Michael… 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.”

“I’m so honored to tell Michael’s story,” says King. “It’s been a long journey and I’m excited for the film to show audiences around the world a perspective of Michael that they’ve never seen.”

“Michael Jackson was inarguably one of the greatest entertainers of all time. His impact on music, video, art, fashion, culture — and so much more — was extraordinary and is still profoundly relevant,” adds Adam Fogelson, Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “I can’t wait for audiences to be able to see this film in theaters worldwide next year.”

Lionsgate insists the film will cover “all aspects of Jackson’s life,” but it remains to be seen how or if it might address Michael’s various controversies, particularly given the estate’s involvement. Jackson’s estate has vehemently defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children, even when HBO’s 2019 documentary, “Leaving Neverland,” returned those accusations to the public eye.