Jackson biopic shelves dark truths, sparks legal firestorm
The new Michael Jackson biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson, is generating massive box office numbers – an instant sensation opening with $97 million domestically and $217 million globally – but beneath the shimmering surface of a ‘king-making’ musical story, a troubling reality is emerging.
A carefully curated narrative
Critics are eviscerating the film for its deliberate omissions: the legal battles, the allegations of child abuse, and the conspicuous absence of Janet Jackson. The film’s conclusion, a simple ‘His story continues’ following the 1988 Bad Tour, feels less like a thoughtful reflection and more like a calculated sidestep.
Legal battles and studio rewrites
The project’s trajectory has been fraught with complications. Originally, the film reportedly included significant material addressing the allegations, but legal issues – stemming from a 1993 settlement that barred Jackson’s family from depicting victims in any film or television – forced a dramatic overhaul. Lionsgate reportedly shelled out a staggering $50 million for reshoots, effectively erasing the problematic content.
Voices from behind the scenes
Director Antoine Fuqua admitted the decision to omit the allegations was, in part, to avoid jarring audiences unfamiliar with Jackson’s complex history. “It was important to take the audience through a process of how do you get to wherever it’s going to go in a second movie; for people to get a bigger idea of his personality and what shaped him,” Fuqua explained to Deadline. Colman Domingo, portraying Joe Jackson, hinted at further exploration of the family’s story in a potential sequel, stating, “There's a possibility of there being a part two, that may deal with some other things that happen afterwards.”
A calculated risk?
Despite the criticism, Lionsgate is doubling down on the ‘Part 1’ framing, positioning the reshoots as essential for setting up a more comprehensive narrative in future installments. Glen Wilson/Lionsgate The box office success, however, is a powerful incentive, suggesting the studio is willing to gamble on a sequel despite the significant legal hurdles.
The past won’t stay buried
The entire saga underscores the enduring challenge of reconciling an artist’s body of work with the controversies surrounding their life. The mere fact that a settlement clause from a 1993 case continues to impact a major film release – and that the alleged victim wasn't included in the 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland – highlights the complex legal and ethical considerations at play. Graham King, producer of the film, revealed that the estate had been unaware of the restrictions until after principal photography concluded.
A king’s reign, revisited?
While the film’s immediate reception is overwhelmingly positive, it’s highly unlikely to silence the questions surrounding Michael Jackson’s legacy. Fuqua, surprisingly, expressed a strong desire to return for a sequel, though scheduling challenges remain. The possibility of confronting the darker aspects of Jackson’s life – and the legal battles that continue to shadow his name – remains tantalizing, despite the considerable obstacles.