Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Jun 28, 2024
Biopics depicting the lives and careers of musicians is a genre of film that has grown in extreme popularity in recent years. Films like ‘Elvis’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ have been box office hits, and even helped create Oscar buzz for the lucky actor who portrays the real-life lead of the film. One singer who has yet to have his biopic is Michael Jackson. While Jackosn’s biopic musical, MJ, is going strong on Broadway, a film of Jackson’s life has yet to be onscreen. However, the story of Michael Jackson may not be too far out from our screens. Here is everything we know about the recently announced Michael Jackson biopic.
Of course, one of the biggest parts of a biopic film is the cast. The cast helps tell the story, especially for those who witnessed the events of the film unfold in real-time. Luckily, the announced cast for the Michael Jackson film already looks solid in terms of physical resemblance and performance. Jafaar Jackson, the nephew of the film’s subject, will be playing Michael Jackson himself. This will be Jafaar Jackson’s feature film debut, and his resemblance in looks and performance to his uncle is uncanny.
While the entire casting for the Jackson clan has not been fully revealed, we do have a few revealed cast members for the Jackson family. Nia Long and Colman Domingo will play the singer’s parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson. Jessica Sula will portray La Toya Jackson, and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie Jackson. Jermain Jackson will be played by Jamal Henderson, and Marlon Jackson will be played by Tre Horton. Rhyan Hill is playing Tito Jackson.
While the exact story arc of the film is yet to be revealed, history is able to tell us the majority of the film’s premise. The film is set to take place from Michael Jackson’s time in the Jackson 5, until his death. It is unsure of how the biopic will deal with the death of Jackson, whether this be portraying the weeks after or the cancellation of his tour. Not to mention, audiences are unsure of how the film will deal with the allegations about Jackson that inspired the documentary, ‘Leaving Neverland’.
It is safe to say that the biopic will take a different approach from the Broadway show, MJ. The Broadway and West End show takes a news-like approach, in which two characters that serve as journalists follow Jackson before his Dangerous World Tour. The musical goes back in time through Jackson’s life from the perspective of the singer himself through interviews between the characters. The musical also deals with some of the rumors surrounding Jackson head-on, such as the rumors surrounding Jackson’s vitiligo.
Recently, director, Graham King, gave audiences a first look at ‘Michael’ at CinemaCon. While ‘Michael’ is still in the process of filming, audiences were able to see the very first trailer for the f The trailer featured screaming fans, moments from Jackson’s ‘Off the Wall’ era, the ‘Thriller’ shoot, and Jackson’s mother, who was an extreme light for Jackson in his times of hardship.
King stated that the film will be a “long feature film” and it will also be covering the “untold story” of Jackson’s life. King stated at CinemaCon, “Michael Jackson was an enigma, full of eccentricities and … talent.” He also was “simply a man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it including over 30 songs spanning his career … his life on stage and his life out of the public eye.”
Even though ‘Michael’ is still in the production process, this film is one of the most anticipated upcoming films. ‘Michael’is set to hit theatres on April 18, 2025. Even though the film is a little under a year away, audiences are still ready to see the King of Pop’s story finally hit the big screen, and for generations to come to fully understand the cultural impact and story of Michael Jackson.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
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