The upcoming biopic Michael, based on the life of Michael Jackson, is already shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s most controversial yet potentially successful releases, as industry analysts predict it could surpass the commercial achievements of Bohemian Rhapsody despite lingering debates over the pop star’s legacy.
The film is being produced by Graham King, who previously delivered the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody, a production that itself faced major setbacks including the departure of Sacha Baron Cohen and the dismissal of director Bryan Singer, yet went on to gross over $900 million worldwide and win four Academy Awards.
Following that success, King turned his focus to Jackson in 2019, aiming to replicate the formula with one of music’s most iconic figures. However, the project immediately faced a more complex challenge Jackson’s history of child abuse allegations. In 1994, he reached an out-of-court settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler, and in 2005, he was acquitted in a criminal trial involving a 13-year-old boy.
Lawyers representing Jackson’s estate have maintained a firm stance, stating they “firmly and unequivocally believe in Michael Jackson’s innocence, which was unanimously adjudicated by a jury and supported by extensive evidence.”
Despite these assertions, the allegations remain a defining and controversial aspect of Jackson’s legacy, complicating efforts to translate his life into a major Hollywood production. Yet demand for the artist appears undiminished. On Spotify, Jackson currently commands tens of millions of monthly listeners, reinforcing his enduring global appeal.
His legacy continues to thrive across multiple platforms, including the long-running Las Vegas show Michael Jackson ONE and the Broadway hit MJ The Musical, both of which have contributed to sustained interest in his life and music.
The film Michael was officially announced in January 2023, with screenplay by John Logan and direction by Antoine Fuqua. The cast includes Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Nia Long, while the lead role will be played by Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
A spokesperson for the production previously stated that “from the beginning the Michael Jackson estate put their trust in Graham King, stepping out of the creative process,” underscoring the producer’s creative control over the project.
Analysts say Jackson’s continued cultural relevance is driven by multiple factors. According to critics, these include the absence of definitive legal proof of wrongdoing, strategic reputation management, and a growing narrative portraying Jackson as a victim of abuse, fame, and media scrutiny. Above all, his unmatched artistry continues to define his legacy.
The debate was reignited by the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, directed by Dan Reed, which featured allegations from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The documentary drew widespread attention and criticism, with Jackson’s estate describing it and its sequel as “one-sided hit-pieces attacking Michael Jackson.”
Reed, however, criticised an early draft of the film’s screenplay, claiming it contained “many falsehoods, a great many inaccuracies and also just outright lies.” In response, estate lawyers dismissed his comments as “irrelevant and misguided,” arguing that he had not seen the final version.
Production of the biopic faced delays, including disruptions caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, before filming resumed in early 2024. Speaking at CinemaCon, King suggested the film would confront Jackson’s complexities, stating: “Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the grinding media spotlight, [Jackson] was simply a man, A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it.”
However, reports later indicated a significant shift in the film’s direction. Early versions reportedly included a detailed portrayal of the Jordan Chandler scandal, particularly in the third act. But legal constraints stemming from the 1994 settlement meant that Chandler could not be depicted or referenced in the film.
As a result, the narrative was reworked. In its current form, the film focuses on Jackson’s rise from his early days in a family band to global superstardom, highlighting his struggles under the control of his father and culminating in a performance from the 1988 Bad tour. The more controversial aspects of his life have been omitted.
The changes required extensive reshoots, with reports indicating 22 additional shooting days in June 2025 and costs ranging between $10 million and $15 million, covered by Jackson’s estate. The film’s release date was subsequently pushed to 2026.
Despite these revisions, industry observers believe the film’s commercial prospects remain strong. There are also indications that unused material could form the basis of future sequels. A spokesperson for Lionsgate described the project as “effectively a Part One the making of a king,” suggesting that further instalments could explore additional aspects of Jackson’s life.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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