Shooting after the strike ends
Biopic about Michael Jackson at Universal
The life of pop star Michael Jackson is to be made into a film. photo
© Kay Nietfeld/dpa
He was the King of Pop. Now the life of Michael Jackson is to be made into a film. The main actor will be his nephew. However, the actors are currently still on strike.
US director Antoine Fuqua (58, “Training Day”, “The Equalizer”) had plans for a biopic about the pop star in January Michael Jackson announced – the Lionsgate studio has now found a partner in Universal Pictures for the worldwide distribution of the film. This was reported by the US industry newspapers “Hollywood Reporter” and “Variety”. Filming will begin after the ongoing strike by actors and actresses in Hollywood ends, it said.
The actors have been on strike since July. The actors’ union and the studios are currently negotiating a new employment contract.
The script and cast for the still untitled feature film about the pop star’s life already exist. The main actor is the nephew of the “King of Pop”, Jaafar Jackson (27), the son of musician Jermaine Jackson, who died in 2009. The screenplay comes from author John Logan (“Gladiator”, “James Bond 007: Specter”, “Alien: Covenant”). British star producer Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Aviator”) and the singer’s family are on board with the project.
According to studio Lionsgate, the film will shed light on the entire life of the “King of Pop”, who became one of the most famous singers in the world with hits such as “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and “Thriller”. His eccentric lifestyle and allegations of abuse later tarnished his image. The pop star, who appeared on stage with his siblings as a child, died in 2009 at the age of 50.