Michael Jackson Biopic Arrives Amidst Controversy Over Omitted Allegations
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, is set to premiere in theaters on April 24, 2025. Backed by Jackson's estate with a budget of $155 million and distributed by Lionsgate, the film promises to celebrate the pop icon's music and legacy. However, it has sparked intense debate for completely excluding the numerous child sexual abuse allegations that haunted Jackson during his lifetime and after his death.
Allegations and Legal Battles Ignored
In December 1993, Michael Jackson underwent a strip-search by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department after being accused of sexually abusing 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. Law enforcement confirmed that Chandler's drawing of distinctive markings on Jackson's genitalia matched the photographs taken. Jackson later settled the case out of court for a reported $25 million, maintaining his innocence throughout.
Despite this and other allegations, including a 2005 criminal trial where Jackson was acquitted and the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, the biopic does not address any of these claims. Instead, it focuses on Jackson's rise from humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to global superstardom with albums like Thriller.
Production Changes and Estate Influence
Originally, the film was intended to cover Chandler's allegations in its third act, but a clause in Jackson's 1994 settlement prohibited mentioning Chandler in any movie. After principal photography wrapped in 2024, the estate discovered this clause, leading to the scrapping of substantial footage and a $10-15 million reshoot. The release was delayed from spring 2025 to April 24.
Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland, claimed that an early script contained distortions about Chandler's story, including falsely stating that the photograph and drawing did not match. He accused the production of rewriting history to protect Jackson's reputation.
Estate's Stance and Financial Motivations
Jackson's estate, through attorney Martin Singer, has forcefully denied all allegations, calling recent lawsuits a money grab. The estate has been instrumental in the biopic's production, with co-executor John Branca ensuring that the film aligns with their view of Jackson's innocence. Branca stated that anyone involved must believe in Jackson's innocence, reflecting the estate's efforts to safeguard his legacy and financial interests.
Since Jackson's death in 2009, his estate has transformed from half a billion dollars in debt to a $3.5 billion empire, thanks to successful ventures like MJ the Musical and the sale of his masters to Sony. The biopic is seen as part of this ongoing mission to monetize Jackson's legacy while controlling the narrative.
Cast and Family Reactions
The film stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael, with supporting roles by Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. During production, cast members faced questions about the allegations. Teller emphasized Jackson's musical genius, while Domingo suggested the film offers a nuanced portrait without proving innocence.
However, not all family members support the biopic. Paris Jackson criticized it as sugar-coated and containing lies, while Janet Jackson reportedly had a negative reaction to an early screening. At the Berlin premiere, most of the Jackson family attended, but Paris and Janet were absent, and Domingo did not promote the film extensively in recent interviews.
Marketing and Critical Reception
Lionsgate has launched an aggressive marketing campaign, including billboards, flashmobs, and influencer events. The trailer garnered 116.2 million views in 24 hours, setting a record. Early fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with some calling it a masterpiece, though critics argue the film avoids tough questions.
Music biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody and Bob Marley: One Love have seen massive success, and Michael is projected to open with close to $200 million, potentially crossing $1 billion worldwide. Lionsgate is already planning a sequel, despite ongoing controversies.
Broader Implications for Biopic Genre
The film highlights a trend in Hollywood where estate-approved biopics often gloss over controversies to protect legacies and maximize profits. Examples include Back to Black and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which have been criticized for sanitizing their subjects' lives. In contrast, projects aiming for honesty, like a scrapped Prince documentary, face obstacles from estates.
Director Antoine Fuqua has stated his goal is to show the human behind the superhero, but sources close to the production say the focus was on highlighting positive aspects. As audiences await the release, the biopic faces the monumental task of balancing Jackson's artistic achievements with the allegations that continue to shadow his legacy.
