While the completely crazy heights of the Michael Jackson hysteria didn’t make much of an imprint on me – Thriller is not that good – even I admit that Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Smooth Criminal, and Billy Jean are superb pop songs and generational touchstones.
The life of Michael Jackson is just as interesting as his back catalogue, whether you view it as a salacious tabloid story writ large, or an American tragedy. What will the upcoming biopic Michael present us with?
Will it follow the Bohemian Rhapsody path, and present a somewhat sanitised view of proceedings, with some artistic liberties taken along the way? Or will it go all in, warts and all? I think we know, given the producer is the same as the Queen movie – Graham King. The movie has also recieved the blessing of the Jackson family and estate.
Earlier this week, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International dropped the poster for Michael. Now they have unveiled the full trailer ahead of a rumored Super Bowl spot. The trailer has already hit 30 million views since it was released.
Antoine Fuqua directs what is described as “a cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.”
It will follow Michael Jackson’s life from his early years and the Jackson Five, looking beyond just his music.
Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew Jafaar Jackson is playing Michael. Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke co-star.
John Logan wrote the script for Michael, which hits theaters on April 24th.
