Antoine Fuqua, the director behind hits like 2001’sTraining Dayand 2014’sThe Equalizeris now working on a biopic about legendary and controversial late musical artist Michael Jackson. It’s a story that would be difficult for anyone to tell, but maybe that’s exactly the idea.
Coming fromLionsgate, the studio behind Keanu Reeves’John Wickmovies,Michaelwill be a drama retelling Jackson’s complicated and tragic life. It’s currently unknown just how in-depth it will go on the less savory aspects of the singer’s career, particularly during his final years when pedophilia allegations came to light from numerous sources. But it will be produced by Graham King, who also worked on the popular but diversely-receivedBohemian Rhapsodybased often loosely on the life of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.
RELATED:A Formulaic Biopic Can Be Enjoyable As An Actor Showcase
Deadlinereports that, alongside Fuqua directing the film,Skyfallwriter John Logan has already created the script. This won’t be the first time Logan and King have collaborated, as 2004’sThe Aviatorsaw the duo team up in similar roles for the Martin Scorsese biopic about eccentric business magnate Howard Hughes. So they’re certainly not unfamiliar with this type of project. Plus, with Fuqua at the helm after hishard-hitting Will Smith-led historical thrillerEmancipationin 2022, it looks as thoughMichaelwill reportedly cover even the less savory parts of Jackson’s life without the kid gloves (no pun intended).
Jackson’s story is a truly troubling one to tell accurately. While his impact on the world of music is undeniable, many understandably have difficulty separating the art from the artist after a number of credible accusations surfaced during his later years. However, unlike the ratherimpossible decision regarding J.K. Rowling’s transphobia and theHarry Potterfranchise, it’s a bit less of a dilemma with Jackson’s work. Regardless of whether one believes the victims and their families, Jackson is no longer able to benefit from anyone consuming his music after his tragic death in 2009.
But on the less conundrum-laden side of things, the idea of a movie featuring much of Jackson’s still incredible music is certainly an enticing prospect. There’s a reasonJackson has appeared in so many video gamesand other projects. His music on its own merits is timeless. Plus, the iconic star went through so much well-documented hardship in his early life, from his time as part of The Jackson 5 with a tragically abusive father to his solo career and everything in between. So there’s a ton of material there no matter how it’s covered.
Fuqua is an excellent choice to cover such delicate subject matter. While the reception ofBohemian Rhapsody(despite its accolades) may not inspire much confidence, the director’s style of not pulling any punches should intrigue audiences enough to giveMichaela chance. Here’s hoping it does the story, and the people involved, the justice they deserve.
