This is it: A biopic on Michael Jackson is in the works
Lionsgate has announced that a biopic on "King of Pop" Michael Jackson is in the works, with Training Day director Antoine Fuqua helming the project.
The film, titled Michael, will look back on the musician's complex life and career. It's set to begin principal photography later in the year.
Graham King, who worked on Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will be producing the film alongside co-executors of Jackson's estate John Branca and John McClain. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, is also on board as a screenwriter.
According to Deadline, sources said the biopic will be about Jackson's musical accomplishments, starting from his days with The Jackson 5 to his King of Pop days as an adult. It will also reportedly tackle controversies that plagued the singer, like the pedophilia accusations against him.
Jackson has been in the limelight since he was six years old, fronting a pop band with his brothers. Their songs I Want You Back, ABC, Ben, and I'll Be There topped the Motown charts. He later broke out as a solo artist and became a pop culture icon with songs like Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It, Black or White, and Smooth Criminal. In addition, Jackson has won 13 Grammy Awards and was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The singer died in 2009 from a cardiac arrest caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose.