Michael Jackson biopic pushed back until late 2025
Lionsgate has pushed the domestic release date of Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic back to October 3rd, 2025.
Michael was originally set for release around April 18th until April 20th, but now the decision has been made to better position the film for potential awards consideration, according to reeports.
Producer Graham King will be hoping it can repeat the trick of his previous music biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which was released in a similar corridor in 2018. That film, which told the story of Queen and Freddie Mercury, grossed an incredible $903.6 million worldwide and won four Academy Awards.
The film, written by Skyfall’s John Logan, will now open against Miramax/Parmount’s Roofman, a true crime film starring Channing Tatum, and a week before Disney’s Tron: Ares, starring Jared Leto.
There’s still no word on when the film will release globally, but it is known that Universal Pictures will be handling distribution outside the US.
What do we know about ‘Michael’ so far?
Thus far, details about Michael have been few and far between, and no footage has been released to the general public. A glimpse of its first trailer aired in April at the annual CinemaCon, and it reportedly went over well with those in attendance, but it wasn’t subsequently released on YouTube or in cinemas.
All that is known for sure is that the film will explore the life and times of Jackson, who is being played by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson. Jaafar is the son of Jackson’s brother Jermaine, and when his casting was announced, he posted, “I’m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.” It will be his acting debut.
Other cast members include Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, who is portraying Jackson’s father Joe, and Miles Teller as his manager John Branca. The Vampire Diaries’ Kat Graham is taking on the iconic role of Diana Ross.
There will likely be extra interest in the part played by Insecure’s Kendrick Sampson, as he inhabits the role of Quincy Jones in the film. Jones produced Jackson’s seminal Thriller album, and in the wake of his death earlier this week at the age of 91, all eyes will surely be on Sampson’s performance.
In April, producer King revealed, “We are incredibly proud of this movie. I’m looking forward to giving to the audience a film like they’ve never seen before. When you mention his name, everyone has an opinion. For the first time, generations of moviegoers will come together to experience an inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived.”
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