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- A biopic about the late Michael Jackson is in the works.
- The film will be produced with the cooperation of Jackson’s estate.
- Movie fans are reacting to the news with predictable confusion and disgust.
Earlier this week, it was announced that a biopic about the late Michael Jackson was in the works. Already a complicated endeavor given Jackson’s legal issues, the film is even more suspect considering the fact that it’s “being made with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate,” according to Variety.
According to a press release announcing the distribution deal, “‘Michael’ will give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.” [via Variety]
Naturally, given Jackson’s troubled history and the fact that his family was going to be involved in the production of the film, movie fans had quite incredulous reactions to the news, particularly given the fact that Variety reports the involvement of the Jackson estate “may impact how it deals with the multiple allegations of child sexual abuse.”
Never has the word "may" done more heavy lifting in one sentence. https://t.co/8fXaxjOxT5
— Wampler™ (@ScottWamplerRIP) February 7, 2022
This is the comet Don't Look Up was talking about https://t.co/YQka5oiFG3
— Songbird Swordlily | Black Lives Matter (@skateordie002) February 8, 2022
This film needs to focus on the fact that Michael Jackson is a pedophile. Not mention it, I mean entirely be about it. Anything else is popoganda, and needs to be shut down. https://t.co/AoQJtjZPXx
— James Mackin (@JamesMackin10) February 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/zach_g_low/status/1490819743674212361
So I assume they’re gonna leave out the part where he groomed young boys https://t.co/I3S9O2oDnQ
— Beware the Batman (@Batman_Beware) February 8, 2022
I bet Brian Singer is available + he’d be PERFECT. https://t.co/5g3OpSsK7O
— aaron, a hate crime doer (@theyshootactors) February 7, 2022
The Michael Jackson biopic is by the BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY guy so look for a scene of Michael Jackson breaking up with Michael Jackson only to reunite as Michael Jackson
Also, the molestation rumors will be handled as a montage of Michael and Macaulay Culkin jumping on the bed https://t.co/nxQqd9Jg6v
— Napoleon Bonerfart (@andrewmcraedude) February 7, 2022
The irony is that this would be the perfect musical biopic for Bryan Singer to direct. https://t.co/XpfzREx2Le
— Dicky Boy (@RandallPSavage) February 7, 2022
If Sandra bullock isn’t playing him I don’t want to see it https://t.co/gwQSfCSsO4
— Mark Go with your move Caesar (@pissyopants1) February 7, 2022
The only documentary related to MJ that everyone should see is Leaving Neverland. https://t.co/mpVKllKSBS pic.twitter.com/q58e4RJdVh
— Karthik (@karthik_rus) February 8, 2022
unless they finally give us a straight answer on this, what's the point https://t.co/IdCtL4qivx pic.twitter.com/zRCIQPVy0h
— William (SpaceTree Studios) (@SpaceTreeStudio) February 8, 2022
To make matters worse, the film is set to be shepherded by Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King. Despite the fact that Bohemian Rhapsody scored five Academy Award nominations and won four of them (including a Best Actor win for Rami Malek), the general opinion of the film has not aged well at all, as it’s not only sitting at a 60% on Rotten Tomatoes but it’s also achieved negative virality as movie fans have since noticed just how awful it actually is:
https://twitter.com/pramitheus/status/1089188260071514112
At this time, no director is attached to the project and the role of Michael Jackson has not been cast. There is also no indication of when the film will begin production or be released. To whoever decides to take on the task of playing Michael Jackson, we can only say good luck.
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