Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Legal Roadblock Delays Michael Jackson Biopic

Salabasev, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Salabasev, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The creation of the Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, has been thrust into turmoil after producers discovered legal constraints related to a decades-old agreement. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, in the lead role, the film aims to delve into the complexities of Jackson’s life, both personal and professional. However, the film's third act has become a point of contention due to its focus on the allegations made by Jordan Chandler in 1993, which alleged sexual misconduct by Jackson.

These legal issues stem from a previous agreement between Jackson's estate and the Chandler family, prohibiting the dramatization of their experiences or likenesses in any medium, including film. This revelation surfaced only after the principal photography wrapped, creating a predicament for the filmmakers. The Michael Jackson estate, deeply involved in the production, was reportedly unaware of this restriction until recent reports unveiled that the estate had maintained this agreement when settling with the family years ago. As a result, substantial reshoots and script rewrites are required, escalating the film's budget and causing a significant delay in its release, originally scheduled for April 2025 but now postponed to October of the same year.

The biopic's intended narrative was to portray the allegations, which initially led to a criminal investigation that was later settled out of court with the Chandlers for $20 million. The film's script depicted Jackson as a victim of a financial extortion plot, with his innocence unequivocally portrayed. This storyline, now un-filmable without legal repercussions, was set as a central theme, making the producers scramble to find an alternative by reworking entire sections of the script. This issue not only throws the film's release into question but also challenges the storytelling approach taken by Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan.

Despite the challenges, the estate has pledged financial support for the reshoots and script alterations. The project's key figures, including Fuqua, Logan, and Academy Award-winning producer Graham King, are presently revising the script to comply with legal requirements. They face the daunting task of delivering a new version that retains the film's integrity and plans to submit it for approval to both Lionsgate, the U.S. distributor, and Universal, responsible for international distribution.

The film, initially seen as an Oscar contender due to King’s previous success with Bohemian Rhapsody, may lose its anticipated accolades if the storyline loses its core dramatic conflict. Furthermore, the fallout from the intended portrayal could impact public perception and the film's eventual reception. There is also a lingering public opinion battle, exacerbated by critics such as Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland. Reed argued that the biopic could potentially glorify a narrative dismissive of the pain experienced by alleged victims of Jackson, thereby reigniting past controversies surrounding the King of Pop.

While the project has found itself in an unenviable position, the commitment from the Michael Jackson estate to resolve the issue indicates that the film could still see the light of day. Moving forward, the project leaders must navigate these complications judiciously, ensuring compliance with legal stipulations while preserving the narrative intent as much as legally permissible.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Dave Grohl from the US rock band 'Foo Fighters' performs at The Town 2023 music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 09 September 2023. The Town 2023 music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil - 09 Sep 2023

Foo Fighters Release New Song ‘Today’s Song’

The Foo Fighters are commemorating their 30th anniversary with the release of a compelling new single, “Today’s Song.” This track…

P DIDDY MTV AWARDS, BARCELONA, SPAIN - 14 NOV 2002

Sean “Diddy” Combs Guilty of Prostitution Charges, But Not of Racketeering & Sex Trafficking

Sean “Diddy” Combs, a towering figure in the hip-hop industry, recently faced a legal battle that captured widespread media and…

Bret Michaels performs during the Parti-Gras Holiday celebration at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA - 07 Dec 2024 Parti-Gras Holiday celebration at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA - 07 Dec 2024

Bret Michaels Changes Tour Schedule After Health Scare

Bret Michaels, the iconic frontman of the rock band Poison, recently faced a challenging health scare that has caused a…

Rob Halford lead of the British band Judas Priest performing on stage as part of the Monster of Rock Tour at Mexico City Arena. on May 4, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carlos Santiago/ Eyepix Group) Judas Priest and Opeth 'Monster of Rock' Concert, Mexico City, Mexico - 04 May 2025

Judas Priest Covers Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’

Judas Priest, a pioneering force in the heavy metal genre, recently paid homage to their fellow Birmingham natives, Black Sabbath,…

Aerosmith, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry in Sao Paulo, Brazil - Jan 1994 VARIOUS

Joe Perry Opens Up About Possibility of Final Aerosmith Concert

Joe Perry, the legendary guitarist from Aerosmith, has sparked discussions about a possible reunion for a final show. Despite announcing…

Irish musician Bono of the band U2 performs in Khreshatyk metro station in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine, 08 May 2022, to support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. Western countries have responded with various sets of sanctions against Russian state majority owned companies and interests in a bid to bring an end to the conflict. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February, resulting in fighting and destruction in the country. Irish musician Bono of U2 performs in metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine - 08 May 2022

Bono Slams Trump’s Gutting of USAID

In a significant and emotional discourse, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush along with U2’s lead singer Bono…

LEFT PHOTO: Dwayne Johnson, 'Moana 2' film premiere, London, UK - 24 Nov 2024 RIGHT PHOTO: Jelly Roll, 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, Arrivals, Frisco, Texas, USA - 08 May 2025

The Rock Finally Hugs Jelly Roll After Singer’s Music Helped Him Through Dark Times

In an inspiring tale of friendship and the power of music, Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and country singer…

Green Day - Billie Joe Armstrong KROQ ALMOST ACCOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT, DAY TWO, LOS ANGELES, AMERICA - 12 DEC 2004

Green Day Fan Invited On Stage to Play ‘Good Riddance,’ But Plays ‘Wonderwall’ Instead

In what seemed like a routine Green Day concert in Luxembourg on June 30, 2025, an unexpected twist turned the…

Scooter Braun arrives on the red carpet at the NY special screening event for Amazon Prime's upcoming doc Justin Bieber: Our World Special Screening in New York, United States - 14 Sep 2021

Scooter Braun Steps Down as CEO of HYBE America

Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry known for managing stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, is…