Lionsgate confirmed that production on a biographical film about the life of Michael Jackson will begin principal photography soon. The film will be titled Michael and Jaafar Jackson, the musician’s nephew, will play the lead role. Antoine Fuqua will direct the film, which will be written by John Logan. It is slated for a theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025.
Fuqua is well-known for directing films like Training Day, The Equalizer, and Brooklyn’s Finest. Logan has previously written for blockbuster movies such as Gladiator, The Aviator, Skyfall, and Spectre. The connection with the Jackson estate raises questions about what aspects of Jackson’s life the biopic will focus on. It is possible that the film might avoid the controversial topics surrounding his alleged child sexual abuse.
In related news, the audio of Michael Jackson’s first-ever studio session will be released as part of a limited-edition package. The recording was made 56 years ago when Jackson was just nine years old, and it was produced with his brothers in the One-derful studios in Chicago. The session, which produced the song ‘Big Boy,’ marked the first time that the iconic singer’s voice was put on tape. The proceeds from the sale will go to the non-profit Legacy Foundation, which supports education and youth development in Chicago.
The most recent report involving the late pop icon arose when Michael Jackson’s name appeared in recently released court documents identifying associates of billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents include a deposition given by Johanna Sjoberg, who met Jackson at Epstein’s mansion in Palm Beach that Maxwell allegedly procured for the purpose of performing sex acts on Epstein. However, the documents do not accuse the pop star of any wrongdoing. A leather jacket worn by Jackson in a 1984 Pepsi ad was auctioned off for £250,000 ($306,000)
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