Variety reports that “Michael,” the biopic about Michael Jackson, will debut on large screens on April 18, 2025. Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late King of Pop, plays the lead in the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic. The movie will be distributed internationally by Universal and released domestically by Lionsgate. On January 22, the movie’s filming will get underway.
Graham King, who produced “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and John Logan wrote the official synopsis for the movie, which stated, “‘Michael’ will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.” His triumphs and tragedies are shown in the film on a grand, cinematic scale, highlighting both his human side and his personal struggles as well as his undeniable creative genius, which is best shown by some of his most memorable performances. Audiences will get an intimate look at one of the most significant and innovative artists in history, unlike anything they have ever seen before.”
The movie will also be produced by John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate. This could have an impact on how ‘Michael’ portrays the singer’s numerous allegations of child sexual abuse made both during and after his career, Variety stated. Jackson was found not guilty of child molestation in 2003 and has denied accusations of sexually abusing minors. Jackson, who always insisted on his innocence, passed away in 2009 at the age of fifty. Denzel Washington is starring in Fuqua’s third “Equaliser” film, which he recently directed for Sony Pictures. Apple released his last movie, the enslavement thriller “Emancipation,” in 2022.
“Michael” will take over the date that “The Exorcist: Deceiver” occupied before it was pulled from Universal’s theatrical schedule after it was revealed that director David Gordon Green had left the project. The “Exorcist” sequel was supposed to premiere on April 18, 2025, but Universal and Blumhouse are currently searching for a new director, so the project has been placed on indefinite hold.
