Michael Jackson Biopic International Rights Lands at Universal – The Hollywood Reporter

Universal has picked up international rights to Michael Jackson’s biopic. Michael.

Lionsgate is behind the project, which is led by Antoine Fuqua. Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the biopic about the singer’s life. The Universal deal covers all international rights except Japan.

Graham King, a seasoned biopic expert on the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody Under his direction, he produces alongside John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who wrote gladiator And The planewrote the script.

According to Lionsgate, the film will delve into all aspects of Jackson’s life, although it is unclear how it will address the many controversies surrounding the late music icon, as the biopic will be filmed in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against allegations of sexual abuse of children. These allegations were brought back into public discourse thanks to the 2019 HBO documentary Leave Neverland.

“Michael’s decades-long career has left an indelible mark on the way audiences around the world experience entertainment,” said Joe Drake of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “We are thrilled to work with our friends at Universal to bring global audiences new insights into the complex life of one of the most prolific artists the world has ever known.”

Production is underway Michael The plan is to continue immediately after the SAG-AFTRA strikes end.