The King of Pop Like Never Before: Michael Jackson Biopic Sets Release Date

The King of Pop Like Never Before: Michael Jackson Biopic Sets Release Date

Lionsgate has unveiled its highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, aptly titled ‘Michael’, which will bring the music legend’s controversial yet legendary life to the big screen like never before. Directed by renowned filmmaker Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson as the pop icon, the film promises an honest and riveting look into the King of Pop’s epic yet complicated journey to superstardom.

Slated for an April 2025 global release, ‘Michael’ will trace Jackson’s musical gifts and creative genius, while also delving into his personal struggles and legal troubles that have long clouded his legacy. According to Lionsgate and the Jackson estate, the biopic aims to be an ‘inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known’ rather than a chronological biopic.

Fuqua brings his stylish directorial vision to the film, while acclaimed screenwriter John Logan of ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Aviator’ fame pens the script. Jaafar Jackson has the tall task of channeling his uncle’s charisma and legendary dance moves, but early glimpses prove he has the voice and style down pat. Producers Graham King and the Jackson estate also aim to showcase Michael’s most iconic performances that defined generations of pop music and culture.

Jackson, who died from cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose in 2009, saw his reputation tarnished by a string of child sexual abuse allegations during the 1990s. He was acquitted of sexual molestation in a widely-publicized trial in 2005. Fuqua added that 27-year-old Jaafar Jackson, who is the son of Michael’s brother and Jackson 5 bandmate Jermaine Jackson, was the stand-out choice to play his uncle. “It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael,” Fuqua said. “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.”

The biopic’s April 2025 release timed with Jackson’s 70th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Jackson 5. It faces high expectations from fans to honor his legacy while tackling difficult aspects of his life story that still fuel controversy – from child abuse allegations to eccentricities that overshadowed his artistry in later years. But with Fuqua and Jackson’s estate collaborating to do the icon justice, ‘Michael’ may be the definitive King of Pop film saga fans have waited for.