20 Jan – The planned Michael Jackson biopic is one step closer to production, now that the movie has found its director in Antoine Fuqua. The director, most known for movies like "Training Day" and "The Equalizer", will be collaborating with Lionsgate to helm the upcoming movie, which will chronicle the King of Pop's life and career. "Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project," says Lionsgate chairman Joe Drake. "His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film."
"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 – 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," said Fuqua. The movie will be penned by John Logan of "Gladiator" fame, and will be produced by Graham King, who previously produced the Freddie Mercury biopic, "Bohemian Rhapsody" and bought the rights to Jackson's story in 2019. No casting announcement has been made.