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Antoine Fuqua Calls Michael Jackson Biopic a "Spiritual Journey"

Director Antoine Fuqua has described the process of making the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic as a "spiritual journey," citing the late pop icon's profound influence on his own career. The film, starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in his feature debut, will focus on the singer's early life and career up to his 1979 solo album "Off the Wall." A potential second film is in development to cover the remainder of Jackson's life and career. The cast includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson's parents, with a supporting ensemble featuring Miles Teller and Laura Harrier.

Key Points: Antoine Fuqua on Michael Jackson Biopic as Spiritual Journey

  • Biopic stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar
  • Fuqua cites Jackson's influence on his career
  • Film focuses on early life up to 1979
  • Second film covering later career in development
2 min read

Antoine Fuqua calls making Michael Jackson biopic a "spiritual journey"

Director Antoine Fuqua describes the making of the Michael Jackson biopic as a "spiritual journey," starring nephew Jaafar Jackson.

"It's a very spiritual journey, making a movie about someone like Michael. - Antoine Fuqua"

Washington DC, February 24

Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua described making the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic as a "spiritual journey," highlighting the challenge and inspiration of portraying the legendary pop icon, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Set to hit theaters and IMAX on April 24, the Lionsgate film stars Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, marking his feature debut. Lionsgate will distribute the movie domestically, with Universal handling the global release.

"It's a very spiritual journey, making a movie about someone like Michael," Fuqua said in a video released by Lionsgate on Monday. "Michael was a big influence on my career as a director, seeing how he refused to get put in a box as just a Black artist only," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film also features Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke in supporting roles. Produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain, the screenplay was written by John Logan.

"Michael's whole life was giving to people this joy of his voice," Fuqua continued. "When I watched him on TV, he was always larger than life. For me as a filmmaker, it wasn't a leap to see it in a cinematic way." He added that understanding Jackson required exploring the tension between his love for family and passion for music, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Initially intended to cover Jackson's full life, the film now concludes with his departure from The Jacksons following the release of his 1979 solo album, Off the Wall. According to sources, a second film remains in development that would focus on the rest of Jackson's career and path prior to his 2009 death, as per the outlet.

Fuqua told The Hollywood Reporter and during a 2024 San Diego Comic-Con panel that Jackson was "a big part of my life growing up, a big influence on my career, an incredible artist, but he was a human being, and we're exploring that."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting that they're splitting it into two films. Smart move, I think. His life story is too vast for one movie. Casting his nephew is a bold choice - hope he can capture that iconic energy. Remember dancing to 'Thriller' at every school function! 🕺
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Rohit P
Fuqua is a solid director, but calling it a "spiritual journey" feels a bit over the top, no? It's a biopic. The real challenge will be portraying the complex man behind the global icon, especially the later years. The first film ending with Off the Wall is a safe bet.
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Sarah B
Michael Jackson's influence was truly global. Growing up in Delhi, his music videos on MTV were an event. The way he blended pop, rock, and soul... unmatched. I just hope the film focuses more on his musical genius and less on sensationalism.
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Karthik V
The part about him refusing to be put in a box as just a Black artist is key. He was a pioneer who transcended all categories. His appeal in India was massive, cutting across languages and states. Excited for this, but they have a huge responsibility.
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Nisha Z
My parents still have his cassette tapes! It's great they're exploring his family dynamics and passion for music. The Jackson family story itself is epic. Hope Colman Domingo nails Joe Jackson's complex role. Releasing in IMAX for the music sequences will be something else!

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