Director Antoine Fuqua will take on the life of Michael Jackson in his next film project.
on Wednesday, hollywood reporter 56-year-old Fuqua and Lionsgate have teamed up to Michael, training day In embarking on directing the film, the director said, “Combining film and music is a deep part of who I am.”
“The first film of my career was a music video, and I still feel that the combination of film and music is a deep part of who I am,” Fukua said in a statement obtained. THR on Wednesday. “For me, no artist has the power, charisma and musical talent of Michael Jackson.”
“I was inspired to make a music video by watching his work. He is the first black artist to perform in heavy rotation on MTV,” the director continued in a statement.
“His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the opportunity to tell his story on screen alongside his music was irresistible.
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Lionsgate says the upcoming biopic will “address every aspect of Jackson’s life.” THRthe outlet said it was unclear how Fukua’s film would address the child sexual abuse allegations levied against Jackson, most recently publicly detailed in a 2019 documentary film. find neverland.
The film is said to be produced in collaboration with the Jackson Estate (co-executors John Branca and John McClane are listed as producers), who have repeatedly defended the late singer and songwriter against allegations. The outlet reported.
Known in the music industry as the “King of Pop,” Jackson died of cardiac arrest at his home on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. In 2011, his attending physician, Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
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Fuqua recently directed Will Smith. releaseserved as the 54-year-old Smith’s first film release since the controversial moment when the actor punched Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards ceremony in March 2022. You can stream this movie on his Apple TV+.
Former screenwriter John Logan Gladiator (2000), pilot (2004) and installments of James Bond sky fall (2012) and specter (2015), wrote the script Michaelaccording to THR.
No casting has been announced at this time as to who will play Jackson or the other main characters.
