*During Lionsgate’s panel at CinemaCon Wednesday, the studio presented the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic trailer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Graham King revealed the project titled Michael would be “long” and include more than 30 songs. Some reports clock the run time for the biopic at 4 hours. King said the film aims “to do the music star’s story justice,” THR writes.
“Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the blinding media spotlight, he was simply a man. A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it,” King said.
We reported previously that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as the King of Pop in the biopic, “and in the trailer has a strong resemblance to his uncle and appears to have captured his dancing and stage presence,” per THR.
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have also cast several new key roles in the highly anticipated film from director Antoine Fuqua.
Larenz Tate joins the previously announced cast, which includes Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Emmy Award-winning actor Colman Domingo as MJ’s father, Joe Jackson.
According to the news release, Tate plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy. Other new prominent roles include Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross. Jessica Sula plays Michael’s older sister La Toya. Liv Symone will play Gladys Knight, and Kendrick Sampson will portray producer Quincy Jones.
The cast also includes KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Jackon’s longtime head of security and “one of his most trusted friends,” per the release. Kevin Shinick will play Dick Clark, host of “American Bandstand,” where the Jackson 5 made a legendary early appearance in their rise to fame.
“I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together such a gifted group of actors for this film,” King previously said. “What they bring to these key roles provides a rich backdrop for the movie, adding to the extraordinary ensemble.”
During CinemaCon, King told the audience, “When you mention his name, everyone has an opinion,” he said about MJ. “For the first time … generations of moviegoers will come together to experience an inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived.”
“Michael” is slated for the worldwide release on April 18th, 2025.
READ MORE: Larenz Tate Cast as Berry Gordy in Michael Jackson Biopic
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
