Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic on Michael Jackson may be split into two films. This decision reflects the complexity of portraying the life of one of music’s most influential figures, whose career spanned over four decades.
The move would potentially delaying its planned release, with the film, titled ‘Michael’, originally set for release on 3 October. Industry analysts note that high-profile biopics often face schedule adjustments to ensure quality storytelling and production value.
But sources have now told Deadline Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International are considering expanding the project into two instalments. The studios’ consideration comes amid growing industry trends of splitting major biographical films to provide more comprehensive storytelling, similar to what was done with other iconic music biopics.
The film, which has a reported budget of $155 million, wrapped principal photography in May, but John Logan’s script is now being revised ahead of reshoots, according to Variety. Logan has previously written scripts for critically acclaimed films including several major Hollywood productions.
‘Michael’ is directed by Antoine, 58, and produced by Graham King, 62, whose credits include ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘. King’s previous biopic on Freddie Mercury grossed over worldwide and won multiple Academy Awards, setting high expectations for this Jackson project.
The film stars Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, 27, in his screen debut as the late singer. Casting directors spent years searching for the perfect actor to portray the pop icon before selecting Jaafar, who bears a striking resemblance to his famous uncle.
Colman Domingo, 54, and Nia Long, 53, will portray Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson in the movie. Both actors bring considerable dramatic experience to these pivotal roles in the formation of the Jackson family musical dynasty.
Miles Teller, 37, is set to play John Branca, the singer’s longtime attorney and advisor. Branca continues to be a co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, which has generated substantial revenue since the artist’s death in 2009.
Larenz Tate, 48, will portray Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, while Laura Harrier, 34, takes on the role of music executive Suzanne de Passe. These characters represent significant industry figures who helped shape the early careers of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.
Kat Graham, 34, will play Diana Ross. Ross was instrumental in the Jackson 5’s early career and maintained a close relationship with Michael throughout his life, later being named in his will as an alternate guardian for his children.
Other cast members include Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The extensive cast reflects the many influential relationships throughout Michael’s life and career.
Speaking to Variety earlier this year, Colman discussed his approach to playing Joe Jackson. “I’m always curious about the making of a person. With Joe Jackson, we have an idea about him, or the way he moved through the world and was a very strong and formidable human being. And for me, I was like, ‘Yeah, but he also created some legendary performers and this legacy of a family.’ I’m like, I want to know who that man is.” This approach suggests the film will explore the complex family dynamics that shaped Michael Jackson’s early life.
He added: “I had to go on the inside and find out everything that I love about Joe Jackson: what his tools were for survival in the world, the tools that he gave to his children, whether it was the way he reared his children or being from where he was, I want to examine all of that. It was about really building a very complex, complete human being with a soul. I was very happy to lend whatever I could to play Joe Jackson.” Domingo’s nuanced perspective indicates the film aims to present multidimensional characters rather than simplified portrayals.
The potential two-part structure would allow filmmakers to thoroughly explore Jackson’s complicated legacy, from his childhood stardom with the Jackson 5 through his unprecedented solo success and later controversies. Michael Jackson’s estate has reportedly been involved in the production process, suggesting the film has access to authentic materials and music rights essential for an authoritative biopic.
