Michael Jackson Biopic Incoming After Elton and Queen Success?

Last year, it’s fair to say that Bohemian Rhapsody took the world by storm. Telling the story of Queen with Rami Malek in the lead role, the movie earned over $215 million domestically and around $900 million in total. With this in mind, there was much talk of what will come next and it seems a decision has been made with an agreement being struck between the Michael Jackson estate and Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King.

That’s right, all Michael Jackson fans can rejoice as the biopic tells the story of Michael’s life. As of yet, it’s not clear what will be included in the story. While some claim it will simply focus on the music and his journey from child star to King of Pop, others believe it will deal with the child sexual abuse claims made against Jackson.

Of course, the news of this biopic is an interesting one considering the success of Leaving Neverland, a documentary that featured not so long ago. Writer of The Aviator and Gladiator, John Logan, has been signed to the project, and it remains to be seen whether or not the script will contain the accusers, James Safechuck and Wade Robson.

After the release of Leaving Neverland, the Jackson estate started legal proceedings against HBO and are now suing for $100 million. Not only did they claim that the accusers had something to gain financially for lying, they believe that the Jackson estate wasn’t given an opportunity to put their own side across. In October, HBO appealed against the claim and we await news of what will happen.

Michael Jackson Stage Show and Movie

Despite the claims and despite everything that has happened in recent years, support for Michael Jackson has remained oddly strong (considering what has happened to some in ‘MeToo’ and other movements). For example, MTV did not drop Jackson’s name from the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, despite some pressure to do so.

In addition to the biopic, it seems the Broadway show will go ahead after tremendous support from the public. This week, it was announced that Ephraim Sykes will play the lead role. Recently a part of the well-received Ain’t Too Proud Temptations musical, Sykes is a Tony winner and it will be interesting to see how his portrayal of Jackson is seen.

Much like the movie, it hasn’t been revealed whether or not the music will touch on the accusations. Despite talking about his role in the musical, Sykes hasn’t commented on the issue. Instead, he has spoken about showing ‘how human Jackson truly was.’ He added that he wants people to have more empathy for the legendary singer while understanding ‘his downfalls, his demons, his struggles.’

There we have it, Michael Jackson will feature as both a musical on Broadway and in a biopic movie. His music throughout time is clearly one of a kind, but will these new works get the attention and approval of the wider public? Only time will tell!