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Legal Hurdles Force Major Rewrites in Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael'
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" is encountering significant obstacles as its entire third act has reportedly become legally unusable. The film, directed by "Training Day" helmsman Antoine Fuqua and written by "Gladiator" scribe John Logan, was initially scheduled for an October 3rd release in the United States.
Production Details and Star-Studded Cast
The biographical musical features an impressive ensemble, with Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson taking on the lead role. The supporting cast includes acclaimed actors Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke.
Legal Complications and Story Structure
Recent reports indicate that Lionsgate's "Michael" faces a crucial challenge due to its focus on the 1993 child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson. The film's narrative reportedly centers around accusations made by Los Angeles resident Evan Chandler regarding his then 13-year-old son Jordan. These allegations led to both a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and a civil lawsuit, which was ultimately settled financially in January 1994.
Unique Approach and Current Challenges
Unlike previous Michael Jackson-related projects, this new film reportedly takes a direct approach to addressing the abuse allegations. John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Michael Jackson's estate, oversaw the film's production process. The original screenplay portrays Jackson as innocent of all accusations, consistent with his maintained innocence and his 2005 acquittal in a separate abuse case.
Production Status and Financial Stakes
With a substantial budget of $150 million, the film has already completed principal photography. Director Fuqua and producer Graham King had begun promotional activities before these legal issues emerged. Three independent sources confirm that Branca assured Graham King and the production team that there were no obstacles to the film's progress, leading to the completion of filming.
Current Status and Path Forward
The production team, including King, Fuqua, and Logan, is currently working to determine their next steps. They are expected to present Lionsgate with a new screenplay and shooting schedule within days. Universal, handling international distribution, must approve any changes and retains the right to withdraw from the project if unsatisfied with the modifications.
Future Outlook
Despite these challenges, there remains optimism surrounding the project, with early viewers reportedly providing positive feedback. While the production team hopes to maintain the planned October release date, these developments present significant hurdles. After years of development, "Michael" now faces another period of uncertainty as the production team works to address these legal challenges while maintaining the film's artistic integrity.