The forthcoming Lionsgate-distributed Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is the studio's “biggest movie” yet. Antoine Fuqua is directing the film with Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, set to star as him.
During a webcast with Gabelli Media and Entertainment Symposium (via The Hollywood Reporter), Lionsgate's Jim Packer revealed his high hopes for the biopic. He also had an interesting outlook on Lionsgate's franchise filmmaking approach (they distribute the Hunger Games and John Wick series, for example).
“It's clear it's going to be an IP-focused company. It's going to produce, distribute, film and TV,” he said.
He then specifically discussed Michael. A lot was made of the first still released of Jafaar Jackson as his uncle. Packer and Lionsgate are aware of that.
“The buzz that we're getting every time a photo gets released is kind of crazy,” Packer said. “And I think that'll be the biggest movie we've ever had.”
He also discussed Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games franchise, which has grossed over $3 billion at the box office across its five films. Collins is writing a new novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, and Lionsgate was quick to announce a 2026 film adaptation.
“We've taken that franchise and it doesn't map to Harry Potter, but from a financial standpoint and an IP standpoint, it's as important to use as Harry Potter is to Warner Bros,” Packer explained.
The Michael Jackson biopic
Antoine Fuqua, known for directing Training Day and the Equalizer trilogy, will direct the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. John Logan (The Aviator) wrote the script for the film.
Per Variety's report, the Michael synopsis reads: “Michael” will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop. This epic, cinematic film will examine Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies — from his human side, to his public and private struggles, to the accusations and the 24/7 media microscope Jackson lived under, even at his artistic apex. The all-star filmmaking team will also capture Michael’s undeniable creative genius, recreating his most memorable, iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Jafaar Jackson will make his film debut with Michael. Juliano Krue Valdi will play Jackson in his younger years as a part of the Jackson 5.
Colman Domingo will also star as Joe Jackson, Michael's father. Na Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Tre Horton, Rhyan Hill, and Jamal R. Henderson will also star in the film.
Michael will be released on April 18, 2025. Lionsgate knows that the biopic genre can be a lucrative business. Before the Michael Jackson biopic, Queen, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Amy Winehouse are just a few of the names that have received the biopic treatment.
Queen's, Bohemian Rhapsody, is perhaps the biggest success of them all. The film grossed over $900 million at the box office during its theatrical run on a budget of just $52 million. Elton John's biopic, Rocketman, made just under $200 million during its run. Baz Luhrmann directed Elvis and it made over $288 million worldwide.
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