A biopic based on the life of Michael Jackson is in the works.
‘Michael’ will document the turbulent life and career of the legendary pop star – who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest brought on by a drugs overdose aged 50 in 2009 – and film company Lionsgate have chosen Graham King to produce after he worked on the Oscar-winning Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Joe Drake said in a statement: 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 [McClain, scriptwriter], we couldn’t be in more extraordinary hands.”
‘Billie Jean’ singer Michael – who shot to fame as a child alongside his family as part of The Jackson 5 – sold over 400 million records during his career but struggled with addiction as well as being charged with – and later acquitted of – child sexual abuse and ‘Michael’ will depict not only depict “most iconic performances” but also offer “informed insight” into his personal life.
In a statement, Lionsgate said: “Michael’ will give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.
King – who will produce the motion picture along with Michael Jackson’s estate – explained that he is “humbled” to be bringing the story to the screen almost four decades after he met the famous family.
He said: “I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I’m humbled to bring their legacy to the big screen. 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.”
While no details of casting or release dates have been announced, the tragic star’s mother Katherine said that the Jackson family were “honoured” to have their story played out on screen.
She said: “Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema. As a family, we are honoured to have our life story come alive on the big screen.”
