Variety claims that the Michael teaser, the much awaited biopic about the King of Pop Michael Jackson, was a “crowd-pleasing hit” at CinemaCon.
One year before it is scheduled to open in theaters on April 18, 2025, Lionsgate gave theater owners their first glimpse at the picture on Wednesday.
The teaser did not let down; it opened with Jackson (played by the legend’s own nephew Jaafar) performing some of his biggest hits, such as Thriller and Man in the Mirror, live on stage.
The video shows his devoted followers singing along to his popular songs, which contributed to his becoming one of the greatest-selling musicians of all time.
Variety said that the Michael trailer, the much awaited biopic about the King of Pop Michael Jackson, was a “crowd-pleasing hit” at CinemaCon;The image of Jaafar Jackson in the lead role
Variety stated that the biography will ‘include over 30′ of Jackson’s songs and reproduce several of them,’starting with Jackson 5’s legendary rendition of ABC on American Bandstand,’ even though filming is still halfway completed.
The late pop star’s mother Nia Long, played by Nia Long, tells her gifted child he has ‘a very rare light’ and to’make that light shine onto the world.’
She cautioned him, “You might have to deal with some people who think you’re different, which will make things a little harder for you.” However, you were never like anyone else.
Subsequently, Michael states that he experiences an alien feeling whenever he is not on stage.
The hitmaker for Smooth Criminal exclaims in another voice-over that touring takes him “entirely” and that it “feels like magic.”
‘Looking forward to delivering the audience a thrill like they’ve never seen before,’ producer Graham King stated during the session.
According to Deadline, King declared, “It is a story worthy of a cinematic presentation,” before revealing the teaser. “Fans and moviegoers of all ages will unite for the first time to get an intimate look into the most prolific artist who has ever lived.”
He said that he tried his hardest, together with the filmmakers, to “find the untold version of the story.”
He said, “Michael Jackson was a mystery, full of eccentricities and… talent.” “[He was also] just a man leading an extremely convoluted life.”
A year before the movie is scheduled to open in theaters on April 18, 2025, Lionsgate gave theater owners their first glimpse at the picture on Wednesday (Michael Jackson seen in 1990).
The movie’s portrayal of Jackson, played by the legend’s own nephew Jaafar, on stage performing some of his biggest hits, including Thriller and Man in the Mirror, did not let down the sneak look.
Fans in the video were enthralled with his every word as they belted out the hits, making him one of the all-time greatest-selling musicians.
It will feature Jackson’s extensive catalog as well as his “life on stage and his life out of the public eye.”
This covers his upbringing in Gary, Indiana, and his inability to leave his house without being accosted by admirers.
Variety further stated that Jackson was the target of numerous accusations of child sexual assault, and the movie will deal “with the abuse.”
King hinted that it would be “a long feature film” as well.
Bohemian Rhapsody, the 2018 biographical musical drama about Freddie Mercury, ran for two hours and fifteen minutes, while similar biopics like Elvis (2022), starring Austin Butler as Austin Butler, ran for two hours and forty-nine minutes.
It will feature Jackson’s extensive catalog as well as his “life on stage and his life out of the public eye.” (Jackson as of 1986)
Only one month has passed since Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed referred to the biopic’s script as “startlingly disingenuous.” Now, there’s a trailer.
The British director, whose two-part documentary investigated claims of sexual abuse against the King of Pop, expressed indignation after viewing a script for Michael after learning that the film refuted Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s “contention that Jackson was a pedophile,” Variety reports.
According to Reed, Jackson is only ever seen tending to young patients with pediatric cancer, dancing with a young girl in a wheelchair, or tucking several young boys—mostly his nephews—as they go to sleepovers. “It feels like John Branca has trapped the movie’s creators in a room and told them what to write.”
“It feels like the movie creators were stuck in a room with John Branca and just told what to write,” he continued.
Miles Teller will portray Branca, Jackson’s lawyer throughout his career; Jackson’s nephew Jaafar will play the Thriller hitmaker; Colman Domingo will play Jackson’s father, Joe; and Long will play Jackson’s mother, Katherine.
King hinted that Jackson might be in “a long feature film” as well.
The biographical musical drama, directed by Antoine Fuqua and based on a script by John Logan, chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson, one of eight Jackson children, five of whom made up the original pop sensation known as the Jackson 5.
With credits as a writer or co-writer for films such as Gladiator (2000), The Aviator (2004), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Hugo (2011), and the James Bond 007 movies Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015), Logan, 62, has a long and distinguished resume as a dramatist and filmmaker.
The biopic is being produced in collaboration with the singer’s estate, so it’s unclear how or if the more scandalous controversies of Michael’s life, such as accusations of child sexual abuse, will be addressed. However, Lionsgate claims the film will explore every facet of Michael’s life.
According to the official synopsis, “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
“The film showcases his achievements and setbacks on a grand, cinematic scope — from his human side and individual hardships to his indisputable creative brilliance, best represented by his most recognizable roles.”
‘As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.’
