Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Faces Major Reshoot Drama

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The biographical film about Michael Jackson, titled “Michael“, has the potential to be among the most financially successful musical biopics ever produced, given the entertainer’s global influence, which has grown even more since his death in 2009. However, a recent legal issue pertaining to the film could potentially necessitate expensive reshoots, leading to an increase in the movie’s budget, currently estimated at over $150 million. Every studio desires their production to be profitable, but this potential legal hurdle could become quite costly.

As per Puck’s report, there might be hold-ups for Michael, as a significant portion of the film’s third act needs to be reshot, focusing on the depiction of the molestation case involving Jordan Chandler when he was 13 years old. In 1993, Chandler testified about Jackson making inappropriate sexual advances towards him, allegations that severely harmed Jackson’s career, particularly in the U.S.

In a previously resolved out-of-court settlement with the Chandler family, estimated at $23 million, no charges were brought against Michael Jackson. Yet, a recent report claims that the third act of an upcoming film may not be usable as it involves elements based on Chandler’s allegations. This is due to the fact that Jackson’s team agreed in writing never to dramatize the Chandler family’s story.

Due to the fact that multiple crucial scenes are involved, it seems reshoots will probably be necessary. It is said that this revelation emerged after the movie had finished filming, and now finds Lionsgate in a costly situation where they must rework the final act of the film.

Michael’s Third Act Could Be in Considerable Jeopardy

According to Belloni, “The script I was given, which they mentioned was almost final but can change, had a dramatic scene involving John Branca (portrayed by Miles Teller), Johnnie Cochran (played by Derek Luke), and other lawyers in Michael Jackson’s legal team debating whether to offer money to the Chandler family.

At some point during the proceedings, the legal team decides to play an infamous recording, previously submitted as evidence in court, which captures Jordan’s father making threats about using his son’s accusations to bring ruin upon his ex-wife and Jackson’s career. The subsequent sequences unfold the intense police investigation, including a distressing strip search of Michael that leaves a lasting impact on him for the rest of his life.

As a movie critic, I’m optimistic that any potential hurdles in the production of “Michael” will be ironed out before its October release, based on my sources who are both confident and hopeful about the situation. It’s fortunate for us fans that the film was postponed to October, since it was initially slated for an April 18 premiere but got pushed back to Oct. 3. This delay appears to be strategic, as the movie is said to have received a boost in its chances for awards consideration following a preview of early footage. At present, neither director Antoine Fuqua, the Jackson estate, nor Universal has publicly addressed rumors about additional filming sessions.

Michael is about to trace the life journey of one of the world’s most productive entertainers, from his initial days with the Jackson 5 as a young lad, through his phenomenal solo career marked by the release of the best-selling album ever made, right up to the last weeks before his demise in 2009 when he was planning a tour across Europe. The actor playing the singer is Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, and the film also features Teller, Luke, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, and Larenz Tate.

Michael is expected to hit screens on Oct. 3.

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2025-01-24 20:32