The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic is gearing up for its release on April 24th. The production team has been diligently working on it for the past few months.
Interestingly, part of this effort involves trimming certain scenes. It seems that a significant focus has been on the controversial aspects of Jackson’s history.
Many are aware that this isn’t intended to be a music video for “Thriller.” According to reports, Jackson’s estate unearthed an old legal clause leading to the removal of all references to allegations of child abuse against him.
You know the stories about young boys who had slept in his bed or traveled with him? Well, all that will be left out.
Sources have indicated that the film was originally set to include dramatic scenes, like police visiting Neverland Ranch, and a substantial focus on the allegations in its later parts. But that’s no longer the case.
This change is largely due to a discovery around a settlement agreement involving one of Jackson’s early accusers, Jordan Chandler, which prohibits any negative portrayal of Jackson in film. Thus, the allegations have been omitted entirely.
It’s quite curious that the estate appears to remember legal details so well yet consistently denies the unsavory events they’ve worked hard to push out of public discourse.
There’s been a hefty cost associated with these adjustments, reportedly around $15 million, but many might argue that this was what the estate wanted all along: a glitzy homage to Michael Jackson.
Let’s be real—unpleasant topics don’t boost ticket sales or music streams.
While the harsh realities from the 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland” linger in the background, “Michael” seems to rely on nostalgia for hits like “Billie Jean” to draw audiences in. The lead role is played by Jafar Jackson, which adds a familial aspect to the portrayal.
Sure, the film might be easy to watch, yet some could argue it’s also somewhat morally questionable.
The Broadway musical “MJ” managed a similar feat by focusing on Jackson’s career before the abuse allegations came to light. It even received acclaim, including a Tony Award for the lead actor’s performance. However, this setup felt like a manipulative tactic.
Audiences often flock to musicals for the entertainment value rather than probing into darker themes. But a biopic, ideally, would provide more insight into the complexities of the subject rather than presenting a simplified, glorified narrative.
Surprisingly, this significant omission has not been highlighted in reviews.
Nevertheless, “Michael” is expected to perform well at the box office, likely following the success of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which grossed around $900 million globally. The focus on hit songs often translates into sales.
I do believe in the separation of art and the artist. However, it’s troubling to think that Jackson’s history is being sanitized. That raises some serious questions.
