Antoine Fuqua is working on an upcoming biopic about Michael Jackson that will address the allegations of child sexual abuse against the late King of Pop while aiming to portray him in a positive manner. According to reports from Puck News, an early version of the script for the film "Michael" includes a scene depicting law enforcement raiding Jackson's Neverland Ranch in response to accusations made by Jordan Chandler in 1993.
The script is said to make significant efforts to downplay the allegations and discredit the Chandlers, attempting to sway the audience into believing in Jackson's innocence. The biopic, approved by the Jackson estate, is slated for release in 2025, coinciding with a civil trial brought by Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck against the musician. It is uncertain at this point whether the film will ultimately address the allegations in the final cut.
"Michael" will feature Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson, in the lead role. The movie will delve into the complex legacy of Jackson, exploring both his groundbreaking performances that earned him the title of "the greatest entertainer of all time" and the controversial accusations of child sexual abuse leveled against him.