After months of anticipation, Lionsgate has moved the release date of its Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, from April 18 to October 3. Coming as it does in the heart of “awards season,” this suggests Lionsgate might be angling for Oscar contention. But with a project already mired in controversy, one wonders if the industry will embrace it as a serious awards player?
The Strategy Behind the Delay
There are two theories going around concerning the seven-month delay. The first is that reshoots will happen to accommodate creative or perhaps even narrative changes. Considering how Michael Jackson’s life was filled with artistic triumphs and personal scandals, reshoots wouldn’t be out of the question. Or, more charitably, the October date may be Lionsgate’s way of signaling that they have an Oscar contender on their hands, positioning the film to capitalize on all that heightened visibility and critical attention that attends a fall release.
Of course, that would be no small gamble. Universal and Lionsgate reportedly have immense faith in Michael, backing it with a colossus marketing campaign and unprecedented promotional investment. Early reports suggest that they are banking on a box office return in the “multi-billion dollar” range, underscoring their belief in the film’s potential to captivate global audiences.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Weighing further into this ambitious project is the fact that Michael Jackson himself will be played by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Casting Jaafar-the son of Jermaine Jackson-means that there is a personal touch to this character that Lionsgate will likely hope will echo among fans. Nia Long plays the role of Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, while Colman Domingo takes up the tough role of Michael’s father, Joe Jackson. Finally, there is Miles Teller as Jackson’s longtime lawyer and the film’s producer, John Branca.
It is penned behind the scenes by three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, with credits for Gladiator and Skyfall. If put in the hands of a seasoned director like Antoine Fuqua, who directed Training Day, Michael has a shot at a most poignant and multi-dimensional take of Jackson’s life. However, considering that Fuqua has basically directed straight drama and action films without major musical or music-infused biopic experiences, his attachment to the project makes it all the more unpredictable.
Navigating Controversy: What will Michael Cover?
Michael Jackson’s life, career, and legacy walk hand in hand: hallowed and contested, a tightrope any biopic may struggle to balance. The music and milestones of his career are the stuff of legend, but scandals in his personal life-the 2005 trial, the 1996 settlement with Jordan Chandler, the marriages, and finally, the eccentricities such as the hyperbaric chamber and pet chimpanzee Bubbles have more often than not overshadowed his artistic legacy.
It’s anyone’s guess how much Michael will dive into these contentious chapters. The Jackson Estate, a body that has overseen and signed off on other projects, such as the hit Broadway show MJ, is said to be signing off on everything about the film. The MJ musical, noticeably, framed Jackson’s life during the period of Thriller and steered clear of the much more contentious times in his later life. This approach played well with both audiences and critics to help shape Jackson’s legacy as one about his music. At the same time, though, one wonders if such a strategy could or should be applied to a theatrical biopic full-length film, particularly one positioned for any potential awards contender status. A more broad-reaching narrative approach may be necessary.
Will Fall Festivals Welcome Michael?
That raises one very big question: will exclusive film festivals, like Venice or Toronto or Telluride, be brave and show Michael amidst potentially divisive reception? These often start the Oscar hopefuls into the mix, but Jackson’s problematic legacy might make some festivals wary of including it in their rosters.
If Michael gets an entry into these festivals and gives a great reception, that film could perhaps swiftly achieve critical gain in momentum. The delay of seven months could indeed give Lionsgate the time to fine-tune the film and place great care in creating a narrative that would play well both to the critics and to the Academy voters alike, bridging Jackson’s artistic career with a respectful look at his life story.
The Music and the Legacy
But one thing is for sure: the music of Michael Jackson, appealing across generations, outlived a lot of the controversy that surrounded him. For the worldwide audience, Jackson’s legacy is as much about the songs and music he left behind as about the man who sang them. Lionsgate hopes this connection alone will get people into the theater, and if it pays off, Michael may be among the most discussed films of the year.
The question, then, is whether Michael leans into creative risk or plays it safe. With anticipation building ahead of its October 2025 release, Michael teeters on the tightrope between risk and reward. If it can achieve a thoughtful balance that honors Jackson’s many contradictions without disparaging his pop cultural legacy, Michael may yet join the ranks of Hollywood’s biographical best.
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