As a long-time fan of Michael Jackson, I am thrilled to see his life story being brought to the big screen by Antoine Fuqua and Lionsgate. Having grown up listening to the King of Pop, it’s fascinating to see how they plan to portray his extraordinary career and complicated personal life.
Supporters of the King of Pop eagerly await a sneak peek into his upcoming biopic. Titled “Michael“, directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie about Michael Jackson was initially slated for release in April 2025. However, Lionsgate has recently adjusted its release date, which might suggest that the studio believes they have a potential contender for awards season on their hands, rather than implying any cause for concern.
As a movie critic, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve learned Lionsgate has changed the release date for “Michael” from Easter 2025 to October 3, 2025. Originally, the Easter frame seemed promising, but moving into autumn might hint at their belief that this biopic could contend in the awards season, much like how “Bohemian Rhapsody,” produced by Graham King, did. Interestingly, on its new date, “Michael” will clash with Channing Tatum’s crime film, “Roofman.” Based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester and his unique McDonald’s heists, these films couldn’t be more different. However, given Michael Jackson’s global influence, I have no doubts that he’ll effortlessly outshine the competition with a dance move as iconic as his moonwalk.
As a movie critic, I found “Bohemian Rhapsody” to be an apt comparison, beyond its link to royalty. Queen, undeniably, was another global sensation with a massive fanbase. However, Michael Jackson’s influence might have overshadowed theirs in terms of fame and notoriety. Despite his waning popularity in the U.S. before his untimely demise, he remained incredibly popular globally. Universal Pictures, handling international distribution, is counting on this global appeal to translate into box office success, considering the surge in interest for Jackson’s music following his death.
Lionsgate Needs Michael to be Successful
As someone who closely follows the film industry, I find myself eagerly anticipating Michael’s success. With Lionsgate struggling after seven straight box office disappointments from August to October this year, their 2024 slate seems uncertain. However, they’re pinning high hopes on 2025, and Michael is one of their key titles for recovery. The budget, reportedly between $150-200 million, is quite substantial for a musical biopic, but a significant portion has been invested in Jackson’s music catalog. The film is expected to use over 30 of his iconic hits. Given Jackson’s enduring global popularity, Lionsgate envisions this as their biggest production yet, and considering his continued influence in music and pop culture worldwide, I can see why they’re so optimistic.
Under the direction of Fuqua, from a script by John Logan, the film titled Michael will delve into the remarkable professional journey but complex personal life of Michael Jackson. This journey spans his early days as a talented young artist alongside his brothers in the Jackson 5, through his groundbreaking solo career, and the challenges he faced with the media, allegations of child molestation, and his sudden demise in 2009. The life of the ‘King of Pop’ will be a family endeavor as Jaafar Jackson, his nephew, will portray his uncle. Supporting roles will be played by Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Derek Luke, and Larenz Tate.
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2024-11-06 04:01