The Michael Jackson Biopic Will Be Directed By Antoine Fuqua

Given the uproar surrounding his most recent film, the Will Smith slavery drama Emancipation (which saw Smith slap Chris Rock on the Oscars stage last year), you’d think that director Antoine Fuqua would choose something without the risk of controversy for his next project. But no, he’s signed on to star in a Michael Jackson biopic titled simply Michael.

Writer John Logan and producer Graham King have been working on this one for years, aiming to chart Jackson’s rise to fame, his troubled family life, and his musical superstardom while ignoring his chaotic personal life, plastic surgery, and the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years up until his death in 2009 at the age of 50, from cardiac arrest caused by a cocktail of sedatives.

“My first films were music videos, and I still believe that combining film and music is a deep part of who I am,” Fuqua says in a statement. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was inspired to make music videos after seeing his work — he was the first Black artist to have heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the opportunity to tell his story alongside his music on the big screen was irresistible.”

“Antoine’s films offer personal perspectives on larger-than-life characters who continue to captivate global audiences,” King adds. “I have no doubt that Antoine will create an exceptional and compelling film that will both celebrate and provide profound new insights into the life of the King of Pop.” Yes, we believe that juggling chainsaws is a less risky future career option. Even as Fuqua finishes up The Equalizer 3 (due out 1 September) and prepares to shoot the new film later this year, the search for a leading man is likely already underway.

The Michael Jackson Biopic Will Be Directed By Antoine Fuqua

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