*Sony Music Group has acquired half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters in a deal valued at $1.2 billion.
Billboard reports that Sony will pay at least $600 million for the late King of Pop’s music catalog stake.
According to reports, the deal is the biggest ever for the assets of a single music artist.
Variety writes, “Sources confirm to Variety that the complex deal also includes assets from Jackson’s legendary Mijac publishing catalog, which includes multiple titles by Sly & the Family Stone as well as hits written or performed by Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge, Dion and others. However, it does not include royalties from the “MJ” Broadway musical and other theatrical productions featuring the musician’s music.”
Sources confirm to Variety that Primary Wave Music still owns 10% of Jackson’s publishing assets.
Meanwhile, we reported earlier that an MJ biopic is in the works from director Antoine Fuqua.
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have slated the worldwide release on April 18th, 2025. The film is now in production with Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Colman Domingo will portray MJ’s father, Joe Jackson, and Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the global superstar.
Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, will make his acting debut with “Michael.”
“There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera,” Fuqua told Variety.
Per The Jasmine Brand, the biopic’s synopsis reads: “‘Michael’ will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Producer Graham King/GK Films, said of Ms. Long, “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” said producer Graham King/GK Films.
Fuqua added, “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
READ MORE: Nia Long to Star as Katherine Jackson in Michael Jackson Biopic
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