Michael, a new biopic on late singer Michael Jackson, is due in cinemas in April 2025, at least in the US. More here.
We’ve known for a while now that Antoine Fuqua is working on a new biopic of Michael Jackson. The film was announced last year with Fuqua directing, John Logan writing and Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson playing the singer.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the film has now been given an April 2025 release date by Lionsgate. The film will be in US cinemas on the 18th April, 2025.
Universal Pictures holds all international distribution rights, including the UK, but we don’t have a confirmed date for when we could expect the biopic in our local Vue.
Here’s the official synopsis of Michael: “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 from an overdose of propofol and benzodiazepine. Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal physician, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after administering the medication.
While the film’s synopsis mentions “tragedies” and “personal struggles”, it does not clarify whether Fuqua’s film will touch on the more troubling aspects of Jackson’s life. The singer was accused of sexually abusing minors, allegations the Jackson estate has strongly denied. The 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland brought those allegations back into the spotlight.
Michael has the backing of the singer’s estate, however, so we’d expect the film to steer clear of anything too controversial.
Fuqua is just winding down from the release of 2023’s The Equalizer 3, which once again reunited the director with Denzel Washington.
More on Michael as we get it.
