For biopic filming
The Neverland Ranch shines in new splendor
The Neverland Ranch, which was recently very neglected, shines in new splendor for the filming of “Michael”.
© Backgrid/Action Press
The biopic about the King of Pop brings Michael Jackson’s beloved Neverland back to life. The ranch serves as a filming location for the film.
“Michael,” the film biography of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson (1958-2009), is scheduled to appear in cinemas in April 2025. In order to give the film the necessary authenticity, Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson (27) was hired as the main actor. But that’s not all: As the “Daily Mail” reports, among others, the famous Neverland Ranch and the associated theme park have now been revived for the biopic. According to the report, filming for the film is currently continuing on the site in the Santa Ynez Valley in California.
The Neverland Ranch shines in new splendor
Michael Jackson bought the ranch in 1988 and created a place with an amusement park and petting zoo that was modeled on the fictional Neverland from the story of Peter Pan. The King of Pop regularly invited disadvantaged children to his ranch to try out the attractions at Neverland. When billionaire Ron Burkle (71) bought the property in 2020, there was probably not much left of its former glory. The Wall Street Journal” said the businessman at the time: “It was a pretty depressing place. It wasn’t the nice place it was before. He just needed flowers and life again.”
Now aerial footage shows how the Neverland Ranch and its attractions shine in new splendor again. The photos show how the various rides such as the Ferris wheel, a carousel as well as the tents and the little red train were carefully recreated for the film.
That’s what “Michael” is about
The planned film aims to paint an “in-depth portrait of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring Jackson’s most iconic performances to life and provide an in-depth look into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life,” production company Lionsgate announced at.
“Aviator” and “Gladiator” author John Logan (62) is responsible for the script. The actor Colman Domingo (54), who was recently nominated for an Oscar for “Rustin”, portrays Jackson’s father Joe Jackson (1928-2018). Miles Teller (36) and Nia Long (53) play other roles.