The Michael Jackson biopic movie Michael, being directed by Antoine Fuqua from a script by John Logan, has been ramping up on the casting front since Deadline first broke the story of the project in January 2023. The film is underway on production ahead of an April 18, 2025 release date via Lionsgate and Universal.
The film will focus on Jackson’s career highlights beginning with the days he fronted the Jackson 5 to becoming the world’s biggest star but also deal with the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years up to his death in 2009 at age 50.
Casting started at the beginning. when Fuqua and producer Graham King tapped Jackson’s nephew and Jermaine Jackson’s son Jaafar to portray Michael in the singer’s prime. Juliano Krue Valdi has been set as the young Michael.
Fuqua said he’s been “blown away” by Jaafar’s resemblance to the King of Pop,...
The film will focus on Jackson’s career highlights beginning with the days he fronted the Jackson 5 to becoming the world’s biggest star but also deal with the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years up to his death in 2009 at age 50.
Casting started at the beginning. when Fuqua and producer Graham King tapped Jackson’s nephew and Jermaine Jackson’s son Jaafar to portray Michael in the singer’s prime. Juliano Krue Valdi has been set as the young Michael.
Fuqua said he’s been “blown away” by Jaafar’s resemblance to the King of Pop,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Before Michael Jackson was a pop star in his own right, millions of Americans knew him as the lead vocalist on The Jackson 5’s “ABC.” The tune made history because of its title. Jackson released two other songs that made history for the exact same reason.
The Jackson 5’s ‘ABC’ is tied for the No. 1 single with the shortest title
Many companies measure the success of popular songs but Billboard is the most famous. When people say a song is “a No. 1 hit,” they are likely saying that the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. With The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, Jackson was no stranger to success on the Billboard Hot 100.
Several songs are tied for having the shortest title on the Billboard Hot 100. They all have three characters in their names. Those songs include The Jackson 5’s “ABC,” Frankie Avalon’s “Why,” Edwin Starr’s “War,...
The Jackson 5’s ‘ABC’ is tied for the No. 1 single with the shortest title
Many companies measure the success of popular songs but Billboard is the most famous. When people say a song is “a No. 1 hit,” they are likely saying that the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. With The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, Jackson was no stranger to success on the Billboard Hot 100.
Several songs are tied for having the shortest title on the Billboard Hot 100. They all have three characters in their names. Those songs include The Jackson 5’s “ABC,” Frankie Avalon’s “Why,” Edwin Starr’s “War,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
New details about Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, were unveiled during CinemaCon.
On Wednesday (April 10), a trailer of the biopic was played during the convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Producer Graham King also shared some hints about what to expect in terms of the movie’s plot and the music it features.
Keep reading to find out more…
Graham said that the movie was going to have a “long” runtime. That’s a testament to Michael‘s lengthy time in the spotlight, but it’s also because the project features more than 30 songs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
By the sounds of it, Michael is covering a lot of ground but honing in on who Michael really is.
“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,...
On Wednesday (April 10), a trailer of the biopic was played during the convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Producer Graham King also shared some hints about what to expect in terms of the movie’s plot and the music it features.
Keep reading to find out more…
Graham said that the movie was going to have a “long” runtime. That’s a testament to Michael‘s lengthy time in the spotlight, but it’s also because the project features more than 30 songs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
By the sounds of it, Michael is covering a lot of ground but honing in on who Michael really is.
“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,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Hollywood has been obsessed with biopics for what seems like forever, but it's hard not to admit that our current film landscape is reaching critical mass with movies about famous people. I guess when they've run out of recognizable IP, they've gotta center stories about recognizable faces instead. Last year alone we saw "Maestro," "The Iron Claw," "Napoleon," "Ferrari," "Nyad," "Priscilla," and "Big George Forman," not to mention brand movies like "Blackberry," "Tetris," "Air," and "Barbie." And then, of course, there's "Oppenheimer," which not only took home seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, but also became the highest-grossing biopic of all time. No shade to our boy Oppy, but it seems like a new film from Antoine Fuqua is coming for that title and the fact it's a movie about the most famous musical performer to ever live certainly gives the project a leg up on the father of the atomic bomb.
- 4/10/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The cast of ‘Michael’ (Photo Sheet Courtesy of Lionsgate)
Director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has found its Jackson 5. Eight actors have joined the cast to play the younger and older versions of Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie Jackson.
The younger versions of the singing group will be played by Jayden Harville as Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Marlon, Judah Edwards (Saint X) as Tito, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (David Makes Man) as Jackie. The older versions will be played by Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) as Jermaine, Tre Horton as Marlon, Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) as Tito, and Joseph David-Jones (The 4400) as Jackie.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said producer Graham King. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.
Director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has found its Jackson 5. Eight actors have joined the cast to play the younger and older versions of Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie Jackson.
The younger versions of the singing group will be played by Jayden Harville as Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Marlon, Judah Edwards (Saint X) as Tito, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (David Makes Man) as Jackie. The older versions will be played by Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) as Jermaine, Tre Horton as Marlon, Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) as Tito, and Joseph David-Jones (The 4400) as Jackie.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said producer Graham King. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.
- 2/28/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic is currently in production, but where would the iconic singer be without the Jackson 5? Lionsgate, along with Universal Pictures International, announced that eight actors have been cast to play Michael Jackson’s brothers in the Jackson 5, with four actors playing the younger versions of Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie, and the other four taking over the roles as the characters age.
Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will play the younger and older versions of Jermaine Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play Marlon, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will play Tito, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said producer Graham King in a statement. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group...
Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will play the younger and older versions of Jermaine Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play Marlon, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will play Tito, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said producer Graham King in a statement. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group...
- 2/28/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have announced the eight actors set to portray members of the Jackson 5 — Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie — at various stages of their lives in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
Jamal R. Henderson and Jayden Harville will play the respective older and younger versions of Jermaine Jackson, Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunger will play Marlon, Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards are Tito, and Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre have been cast as Jackie.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael will star Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop’s nephew, in the titular role, with Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of Michael. The film is in production and set for a global release on April 18, 2025.
Others in the cast include Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s influential parents Joe and Katherine, and Miles Teller as Jackson attorney John Branca.
Jamal R. Henderson and Jayden Harville will play the respective older and younger versions of Jermaine Jackson, Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunger will play Marlon, Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards are Tito, and Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre have been cast as Jackie.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael will star Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop’s nephew, in the titular role, with Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of Michael. The film is in production and set for a global release on April 18, 2025.
Others in the cast include Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s influential parents Joe and Katherine, and Miles Teller as Jackson attorney John Branca.
- 2/27/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic has found the rest of its Jackson 5.
The company announced eight new castmembers on Tuesday who are joining the biographical film Michael to fill out both the younger and older versions of Jackson’s four brothers — Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson — comprising the family band that rose to prominence in the 1970s. Director Antoine Fuqua’s movie is currently in production and hits theaters April 18, 2025.
Jayden Harville will portray the younger Jermaine, with Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) playing his older self. Marlon will be played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter in the younger years and Tre Horton (My Enemy Alpha) later in life. Tito will be brought to life by Judah Edwards in the early years and Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) later. Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will portray the younger Jackie, while Joseph David-Jones (Roman J. Israel, Esq.) will step into the older version.
The company announced eight new castmembers on Tuesday who are joining the biographical film Michael to fill out both the younger and older versions of Jackson’s four brothers — Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson — comprising the family band that rose to prominence in the 1970s. Director Antoine Fuqua’s movie is currently in production and hits theaters April 18, 2025.
Jayden Harville will portray the younger Jermaine, with Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) playing his older self. Marlon will be played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter in the younger years and Tre Horton (My Enemy Alpha) later in life. Tito will be brought to life by Judah Edwards in the early years and Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) later. Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will portray the younger Jackie, while Joseph David-Jones (Roman J. Israel, Esq.) will step into the older version.
- 2/27/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International (Upi) have announced the eight actors who will play Michael Jackson’s brothers in the Jackson 5 in the upcoming biopic Michael.
In addition to the previously announced Juliano Krue Valdi as early years Michael Jackson and Jaafar Jackson as later years Michael Jackson, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will portray Jermaine Jackson in early and later years, respectively.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play Marlon Jackson; Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will portray Tito Jackson; and
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie Jackson.
“The truly epic nature of this...
In addition to the previously announced Juliano Krue Valdi as early years Michael Jackson and Jaafar Jackson as later years Michael Jackson, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will portray Jermaine Jackson in early and later years, respectively.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play Marlon Jackson; Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will portray Tito Jackson; and
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie Jackson.
“The truly epic nature of this...
- 2/27/2024
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International (Upi) have announced the eight actors who will plat Michael Jackson’s brothers in the Jackson 5 in the upcoming biopic Michael.
In addition to the previously announced Juliano Krue Valdi as early years Michael Jackson and Jaafar Jackson as later years Michael Jackson, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will portray Jermaine Jackson in early and later years, respectively.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play Marlon Jackson; Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will portray Tito Jackson; and
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie Jackson.
“The truly epic nature of...
In addition to the previously announced Juliano Krue Valdi as early years Michael Jackson and Jaafar Jackson as later years Michael Jackson, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will portray Jermaine Jackson in early and later years, respectively.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play Marlon Jackson; Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will portray Tito Jackson; and
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie Jackson.
“The truly epic nature of...
- 2/27/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Jackson 5 have found their harmony once again for the upcoming biopic “Michael” from director Antoine Fuqua and Oscar-winning producer Graham King.
After a worldwide search led filmmakers to cast Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the King of Pop, with 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger Michael, fans have been eagerly waiting to see who would round out the rest of the Jackson family.
The film, which is scheduled to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, is currently in production. Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo assumes the role of family patriarch Joe Jackson with Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, plus Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.
Now, the eight actors who will portray Jackson’s four brothers — who come together to form the massively popular singing group the Jackson 5 — have been revealed: Jamal R. Henderson plays Jermaine Jackson in the film’s later years, while Jayden Harville plays the younger version.
After a worldwide search led filmmakers to cast Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the King of Pop, with 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger Michael, fans have been eagerly waiting to see who would round out the rest of the Jackson family.
The film, which is scheduled to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, is currently in production. Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo assumes the role of family patriarch Joe Jackson with Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, plus Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.
Now, the eight actors who will portray Jackson’s four brothers — who come together to form the massively popular singing group the Jackson 5 — have been revealed: Jamal R. Henderson plays Jermaine Jackson in the film’s later years, while Jayden Harville plays the younger version.
- 2/27/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
This post contains spoilers for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."
After nearly a decade of spending time out in the far reaches of space with the unlikeliest of heroes, it's a little sad to be saying goodbye to the misfit marauders from Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy" films. We've danced along with Star-Lord to Redbone's "Come and Get Your Love," we've laughed at Drax the Destroyer saying ridiculous one-liners, and we've cried right alongside Rocket Raccoon as he coped with his tragic past. Indeed, one of the most unexpected things about James Gunn's trilogy is just how surprisingly emotional it gets at certain points, and just how lovable these characters have become to a generation of comic book movie fans.
Everyone has their favorite member of the Guardians for various reasons, but there's simply no denying that Baby Groot is the most adorable one of the bunch.
After nearly a decade of spending time out in the far reaches of space with the unlikeliest of heroes, it's a little sad to be saying goodbye to the misfit marauders from Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy" films. We've danced along with Star-Lord to Redbone's "Come and Get Your Love," we've laughed at Drax the Destroyer saying ridiculous one-liners, and we've cried right alongside Rocket Raccoon as he coped with his tragic past. Indeed, one of the most unexpected things about James Gunn's trilogy is just how surprisingly emotional it gets at certain points, and just how lovable these characters have become to a generation of comic book movie fans.
Everyone has their favorite member of the Guardians for various reasons, but there's simply no denying that Baby Groot is the most adorable one of the bunch.
- 5/18/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Motown icons Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy were honored in star-studded fashion Friday at the MusiCares Persons of the Year Gala, with a tribute lineup that included Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Chloe and Halle Bailey, Sheryl Crow, Mumford & Sons and The Temptations.
Robinson and Motown Records founder Gordy became the first duo to be recognized with the honor, which is awarded to musicians for their artistic achievement in the music industry and dedication to philanthropy. Proceeds from the gala provide support for MusiCares, the leading music charity offering health and human services to music professionals.
Taking place in downtown Los Angeles just steps away from where the Grammys will kick off on Sunday, the gala began with a silent auction before launching into a two-hour tribute concert of Robinson and Gordy’s work, starting with a medley from The Temptations that included “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.
Robinson and Motown Records founder Gordy became the first duo to be recognized with the honor, which is awarded to musicians for their artistic achievement in the music industry and dedication to philanthropy. Proceeds from the gala provide support for MusiCares, the leading music charity offering health and human services to music professionals.
Taking place in downtown Los Angeles just steps away from where the Grammys will kick off on Sunday, the gala began with a silent auction before launching into a two-hour tribute concert of Robinson and Gordy’s work, starting with a medley from The Temptations that included “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.
- 2/4/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the biopic about the singer’s life. Lionsgate is behind the project, titled Michael, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who shared the news on Instagram.
Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.
Jackson, who won 13 Grammys and rose from child stardom in the Jackson 5 become the biggest pop star in the world, died in 2009 at age 50.
According to Lionsgate, the film will address all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which...
Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.
Jackson, who won 13 Grammys and rose from child stardom in the Jackson 5 become the biggest pop star in the world, died in 2009 at age 50.
According to Lionsgate, the film will address all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which...
- 1/30/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Motown founder Berry Gordy had a galaxy of star executives helping him build the company into the powerhouse it became, but not many of them shone as brightly as Suzanne de Passe.
Joining the company relatively late in its heyday, de Passe moved from her native Harlem to Detroit in 1968 and soon convinced a skeptical Berry to sign a group of kids calling themselves the Jackson 5. She quickly took charge of developing the group into the pop-culture juggernaut they immediately became — their first four singles went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — developing their live show, imaging, choreography, television appearances and much more. Her next signing? An R&b combo called the Commodores featuring a young singer named Lionel Richie.
After being named the company’s West Coast head of A&R she went on to work with Rick James and others, while gradually transitioning into her main career: as a TV and film executive,...
Joining the company relatively late in its heyday, de Passe moved from her native Harlem to Detroit in 1968 and soon convinced a skeptical Berry to sign a group of kids calling themselves the Jackson 5. She quickly took charge of developing the group into the pop-culture juggernaut they immediately became — their first four singles went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — developing their live show, imaging, choreography, television appearances and much more. Her next signing? An R&b combo called the Commodores featuring a young singer named Lionel Richie.
After being named the company’s West Coast head of A&R she went on to work with Rick James and others, while gradually transitioning into her main career: as a TV and film executive,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Deadline reports that animator Robert Balser has died, at the age of 88. While his most famous work was arguably The Beatles' film, Yellow Submarine, Balser worked in animated TV, too.
Balser was animation director on ABC's The Jackson 5ive TV series, a 1970s musical cartoon, featuring Michael Jackson and his brothers. Watch the intro, below.
Balser was also animation supervisor on the mid-80s cartoon, The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. Additionally, he served as sequence director in the 1979 animated TV movie, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe -- an adaptation of the C.S. Lewis novel.
Read More…...
Balser was animation director on ABC's The Jackson 5ive TV series, a 1970s musical cartoon, featuring Michael Jackson and his brothers. Watch the intro, below.
Balser was also animation supervisor on the mid-80s cartoon, The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. Additionally, he served as sequence director in the 1979 animated TV movie, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe -- an adaptation of the C.S. Lewis novel.
Read More…...
- 1/10/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Robert Balser, an animator who co-directed the cartoon sequences of the Beatles' 1968 musical fantasy film Yellow Submarine, passed away January 4th at a Los Angeles hospital following complications from respiratory failure. He was 88. Balser's widow Cima Balser confirmed her husband's death to the Animated World Network.
Yellow Submarine was Balser's first feature film in a career that would eventually span five decades. The animator and co-director Jack Stokes led a team of 200 artists in creating the cartoon Beatles' trippy journey to Pepperland to battle the Blue Meanies, a production that took 11 months and over $1 million.
Yellow Submarine was Balser's first feature film in a career that would eventually span five decades. The animator and co-director Jack Stokes led a team of 200 artists in creating the cartoon Beatles' trippy journey to Pepperland to battle the Blue Meanies, a production that took 11 months and over $1 million.
- 1/8/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Arthur Rankin Jr., who along with partner Jules Bass, was responsible for several iconic television Christmas specials, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, passed away Thursday at his home in Bermuda at the age of 89.
Rankin formed Videocraft International with Bass in the early 1960s. While their first project was The New Adventures of Pinocchio, Rankin/Bass's most iconic contributions to pop culture are doubtlessly the Rudolph and Frosty specials, which aired on CBS in 1964 and 1969, respectively, and were the two highest-rated programs of the night.
In the 1970s, Rankin produced and directed episodes of the animated Jackson 5 series,...
Rankin formed Videocraft International with Bass in the early 1960s. While their first project was The New Adventures of Pinocchio, Rankin/Bass's most iconic contributions to pop culture are doubtlessly the Rudolph and Frosty specials, which aired on CBS in 1964 and 1969, respectively, and were the two highest-rated programs of the night.
In the 1970s, Rankin produced and directed episodes of the animated Jackson 5 series,...
- 2/3/2014
- by Alex Heigl
- People.com - TV Watch
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