The late King of Pop Michael Jackson will take the spotlight as a new biopic will soon highlight his life and career.
Director Antonie Fuqua confirmed its upcoming project in collaboration with Lionsgate, per The Hollywood Reporter. The renowned filmmaker will work together with "Bohemian Rhapsody" producer Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.
"Gladiator" and "The Aviator" writer, John Logan, penned its script.
"The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am," Fuqua said. "For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work - the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV."
The filmmaker noted how Jackson's music and images became part of his "worldview." So when he got the chance to spearhead the biopic that would tell the late singer's story, he reportedly found the offer irresistible.
Lionsgate revealed that the biopic, titled "Michael," would explore all aspects of the "Thriller" hitmaker's life. However, it remains unknown whether it will fully talk about the controversies the pop icon got embroiled in throughout his lifetime.
For what it's worth, Jackson's alleged past actions were discussed in the 2019 HBO documentary, "Leaving Neverland."
Lionsgate will also be responsible for the domestic distribution of Michael Jackson's movie. It said it would soon find an international partner to distribute the upcoming flick.
"Michael" will be the latest biopic to look out for following the success stories of other music biopics of Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody), Elvis Presley (Elvis), and Whitney Houston (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody).
Michael Jackson's Career, Death
Jackson, before his death, became the King of Pop after having 13 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. He also became one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, becoming an inspiration in different industries, including music, fashion, and dance.
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His hit albums included "Got to Be There," "Ben," "Forever, Michael," "Thriller," "Off the Wall," "Bad," "Dangerous," "HiStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I," and "Invincible," among others.
He ultimately died on June 25, 2009, after suffering cardiac arrest. The investigators later concluded it to be a homicide.
