Antoine Fuqua To Direct Michael Jackson Biopic Michael

Antoine Fuqua is set to direct a biopic for Michael Jackson, as announced on Wednesday. Lionsgate announced that the Training Day director will helm Michael, which will be produced by Graham King and the co-executors of the King of Pop’s estate. The film is set to begin production this year.

Michael is written by John Logan, known for his work on The Aviator and Gladiator. The announcement notes that the film “will give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.”

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Joe Drake said in the announcement, “Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film.”

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” said Fuqua. “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.”

Fuqua most recently directed Emancipation, starring Will Smith, for Apple. He is currently working on The Equalizer 3, which will see Denzel Washington reprise his role from the first two films.