Given the uproar surrounding his latest movie, the Will Smith slavery drama Emancipation ( With Smith slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars stage last year), you’d think that director Antoine Fuqua would have to choose something without the risk of scandal for his next project.
WIll Smith in Emancipation
But no, he’s signed on to star in a Michael Jackson biopic plainly titled Michael.
Writer John Logan and producer Graham King have already been working on this film for years, aiming to chart Jackson’s rise to stardom, his dysfunctional home life, and his musical stardom while disregarding his messy personal life, plastic surgery, and the pedophile allegations that hounded his later years up until his death in 2009 at the age of 50, from cardiac arrest caused by a cocktail of sedatives.
“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” says Fuqua in a statement. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”
“Antoine’s films offer personal views on bigger characters who continue to fascinate worldwide audiences,” King adds. “I have no doubt that Antoine will create an exceptional and compelling film that will both celebrate and provide significant fresh perspectives into the life of the King of Pop.” Yes, we believe that juggling chainsaws are a less risky future career option. Even as Fuqua wraps up The Equalizer 3 (due out 1 September) and prepares to shoot the upcoming movie later this year, the quest for a lead character is likely already underway.
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