FUQUA TO DIRECT JACKSON BIOPIC

Filming will begin this year on Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic with Antoine Fuqua as director. Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King is producing along with Jackson estate kingpins John Branca and John McClain.

With a script by John Logan (The Aviator, Gladiator) Michael will explore all aspects of the late superstar's life, including his most iconic performances.

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music is a deep part of who I am,” Fuqua said. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work—he was the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”

Yes, seeing the creation of the moonwalk will be fascinating, but what we’re really looking forward to is the scene where Branca hashes out a deal with Walter Yetnikoff.