The King of Pop is making a spectacular return to the public consciousness. A new biopic, titled Michael, is generating immense buzz after its official trailer achieved a staggering 116 million views within just 24 hours of its release.
This record-breaking response comes as Michael Jackson's music simultaneously re-enters the charts, with his iconic track Thriller climbing the Billboard Hot 100 in November, securing him a historic Top 10 hit across six different decades.
A Resurgence Amidst Controversy
This cinematic project, however, arrives amidst a complex and contested legacy. The film's development follows the impactful 2019 Netflix documentary, Leaving Neverland, which detailed allegations of child sexual abuse against the singer. Jackson was acquitted of all such charges in a 2005 criminal trial, and his estate has consistently denied all claims.
This duality places the biopic in a delicate position. Dan Green, a professor of entertainment management at Carnegie Mellon University, notes the powerful draw of Jackson's artistry, citing successful ongoing ventures like the Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas and the MJ Broadway musical. "I would not want to bet against people's love of Michael Jackson," Green stated, predicting significant public interest in the film.
The Making of a Musical Legacy
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for Training Day, the biopic promises to delve deep into Jackson's life. The film will trace his journey from his early days as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to his global superstardom. In a poignant casting choice, the role of Michael Jackson is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson.
The production, with a budget reported to be around $150 million, faced a significant hurdle. Filmmakers were forced to reshoot the final third of the movie after a legal challenge concerning Jordan Chandler, a Jackson accuser who reached a $23 million out-of-court settlement with the singer in 1994.
Graham King, the producer behind the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody, is also producing Michael. He has promised audiences a film "like they've never seen before," acknowledging that Jackson's name alone evokes strong opinions.
The Enduring Power of an Icon
For legacy managers, a major biopic is seen as the ultimate vehicle for cementing an artist's cultural impact for new generations. Jeff Jampol, a consultant to the Jackson estate, emphasised that the goal extends beyond box office profit.
"We're looking to connect a legacy to future generations," Jampol explained. "Even if the film makes no money theatrically, the resultant buzz, talk and publicity is more than worth it." He pointed to Jackson's uniquely devoted fanbase, who continue to organise flash mobs to this day, as a testament to his enduring connection with people.
The central question remains how the film will navigate the more challenging aspects of Jackson's life, including the abuse allegations and his tragic death in 2009 from propofol poisoning. The extent to which the biopic addresses these issues is yet to be seen, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about film releases of the year. Michael is scheduled for global release in April.
