The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, simply called Michael, has just taken a big step forward. Deadline reports that the film, which delves into the story of the world-famous musician known as the King of Pop, has had its worldwide distribution rights picked up by Lionsgate. It's still not known when the film will be released.
Michael is written by Oscar-nominated writer John Logan, whose other film credits include Gladiator, Any Given Sunday, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Skyfall, and Spectre. Bohemian Rhapsody and The Departed producer Graham King is producing the feature with John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. King and Logan previously worked together on The Aviator.
The Michael Jackson biopic is described as an in-depth portrayal of "a complicated man" who's still considered by many to be among the very best performers of all time. His controversies that the singer experienced off-stage are also well-documented and it sounds like this will also be explored in Michael. The film will "bring to life Jackson's most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer's artistic process and personal life."
“I am very excited that Lionsgate will be part of this epic film, and thrilled to be working with Graham, who has proven success in telling iconic life stories, from Bohemian Rhapsody to Ali; when combined with John, we couldn’t be in more extraordinary hands," says Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake.
“I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I’m humbled to bring their legacy to the big screen," King added. "Sitting at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I could never have imagined that nearly 38 years later I would get the privilege to be a part of this film.”
Katherine Jackson notes, "Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema. As a family, we are honored to have our life story come alive on the big screen.”
Michael Jackson's Biopic Joins Several Other Movies About Musicians In the Works
Movies about famous musicians have proven to be very successful in recent years, as seen with blockbusters like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. This has only helped usher in a wave of more biopics, as Michael Jackson will be in good company with Michael soon starting production.
A variety of movies are currently being made about other famous entertainers and iconic music personalities. This includes upcoming features about Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Cher, The Bee Gees, and many more.
Lionsgate hasn't yet set a release date for Michael. We are also waiting to hear who might end up playing the King of Pop in the upcoming biopic. We'll just have to stay tuned for more updates, but with a distributor in place, the gears on the film should start turning pretty quickly.