Lionsgate lands the new movie Michael, based on the life of Michael Jackson from Graham King, producer of Bohemian Rhapsody. King’s record as a producer is full of successes and includes an Oscar-winning collaboration with Scorsese on The Departed. Jackson, known as the King of Pop, remains the best-selling artist of all-time and one of the most recognizable popstars in the world. Even over a decade since his untimely death, the controversial but undeniably talented musician continues to sell millions of records every year.
Now, King will produce the biopic Michael, based on the life and career of the famous superstar. Co-executors of the singer’s estate also serve as producers on the film, thus ensuring the coveted seal of approval from the subject's family. The screenplay is being penned by Oscar-nominated writer John Logan, who previously collaborated with King on Scorsese’s The Aviator, itself a biopic of Howard Hughes.
The trend of music-based biographical films continues following the massive success of films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, and the Jackson-centered film is one of a slew of music movies being worked on by King. The producer is also attached to Jersey Boys Live and the untitled Bee Gees biopic, both set for release later this year. Other upcoming biopics include Midas Man, a Beatles movie following manager Brian Epstein, an Elvis biopic from Baz Luhrmann, and a Weird Al Yankovic film starring Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role. The King of Pop will become the next in a long line of music icons to get the big screen treatment when Michael comes to theaters in the near-future.
Source: Lionsgate