The upcoming biographical film on the life of Michael Jackson, titled “Michael,” might face a delay due to a contentious third act in the film that presents legal challenges.
As per reports from Puck, a 1994 legal contract between the family of Jordan Chandler, who was 13 years old then, and Jackson’s estate, has caused a hurdle in the completion of the film. The legal agreement, which emerged from the infamous 1993 allegation that Jackson sexually abused Jordan, was finalized after a settlement between the two parties in the subsequent year. The contract stipulated that MJ, and by extension his estate, were prohibited from portraying the Chandlers in any form, including a potential biopic.
The third act of the biopic, which centers around the Thriller artist, extensively deals with this issue. Director Antoine Fuqua depicts Jackson in the film as a “naïve victim of the money-minded Chandlers,” contrasting it with a scene where Jordan’s father is shown “threatening to use his son’s allegations to ruin his ex-wife and Jackson’s career.” Insiders close to the Michael film alleged that this agreement was only revealed to the filmmakers after the movie, valued at $150 million, had finished shooting.
Michael Jackson performs on stage during his “HIStory” world tour concert at Ericsson Stadium November 10, 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand.
The outlet states that John Branca, who is the executor of MJ’s estate, disclosed details about the agreement in September 2024. This disclosure came after the Financial Times published a report alleging that the King of Pop’s estate had supposedly paid “silencing money to other accusers” in “previously undisclosed settlements.”
There are murmurs of a possible delay in the release of the film. However, Lionsgate Studios is optimistic that the movie can still meet its planned October 2025 release date, despite the ongoing re-shoots. MJ’s estate is said to be funding the reshoots, with producer Graham King expressing his confidence that his team can amend the movie.
The film, which boasts of over 30 songs and a multitude of performances befitting its iconic subject, was originally scheduled to be released in April. However, it had been postponed to its current October release slot. There were no further details provided regarding the reasons for the delay at the time the news was announced.
The movie “Michael” features Jaafar Jackson in the role of MJ, with a star-studded ensemble comprising Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, Kendrick Sampson, Kat Graham, and many more.
FAQs:
Q: What is causing the delay in the release of the Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael”?
A: The delay is due to a legal contract from 1994 between the family of Jordan Chandler and Jackson’s estate, which prohibits the portrayal of the Chandlers in any form.
Q: Who is the director of the biopic?
A: The biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Q: Who is playing the role of Michael Jackson in the movie?
A: Jaafar Jackson is playing the role of Michael Jackson in the movie.
Q: When is the film scheduled to be released?
A: The film is scheduled for release in October 2025.
Credit: www.vibe.com
