A biopic about Michael Jackson’s complex legacy was always destined to be a challenging project.
The release of Michael, which stars Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle, has been postponed from April to October, reportedly due to script-related complications, according to a recent Puck report. Lionsgate, the film’s distributor, declined to comment when contacted by CNN.
Here’s what we know so far about the film:
The Story Behind the Biopic
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, Michael explores the life of the legendary pop star, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication.
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine, was cast as the lead, earning high praise from producer Graham King.
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” King said in a press release in February 2024. “He embodies Michael in a way no other actor could.”
Director Fuqua echoed this sentiment, calling Jaafar’s performance “magical” and highlighting the team’s effort to honor Michael’s legacy. “It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through magically,” Fuqua said. “You have to experience it to believe it.”
The film also features Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long in supporting roles.
A Major Setback
Last week, Puck’s Matthew Belloni revealed that the $150 million production hit a significant obstacle. The script reportedly includes the 1993 investigation into sexual abuse allegations made against Jackson by 13-year-old Jordan Chandler.
However, a settlement in the case allegedly prohibits dramatization of the Chandler family. The film’s creative team was reportedly unaware of this restriction until filming was completed, forcing them to rework the project.
Story by Obaapa Janee
Source: CNN
