"Michael", a biopic about Michael Jackson, is officially happening.

[SmoothGangsta]

I know I've said this before but I'm going to have to say it again because it's really important, I'm really concerned on how they portray Branca and Sony especially in light of what's happened recently. They can't just portray Branca as the best person ever and what's really gonna be worrying is portraying Michael's fall out with Sony as just a overreaction probably to justify their recent decision to sell half of the catalogue which is just downright wrong.

I don't think the sony thing will be mentioned. It's a thing that happened and MJ moved on from it, not really sure why some fans are so obsessed.

 

[PixieJ]

Totally. No plans to watch it. Actually, it's funny bc film is not my jam and biopics in particular don't interest me so I wasn't too bothered about this project. Very much hoped it would turn out to be a good piece of work and that those who want it would have a lovely time watching it but, for myself, I wasn't interested. Then, yesterday I saw a tweet claiming the trailer would be out in December. Got very over-excited, posted the thing over here, then someone kindly pointed out it was from a fan-made page so I deleted it.

But for a moment there I was quite excited, lol.

That said, I still don't have any plans to watch it. I can't quite get my head around watching someone play Michael when I can watch the real thing. I do understand - completely - the point of a biopic and what it could achieve if all goes well. I don't object to it, I just don't feel I need it.


Yes. The photos of Jaafar are weird, unsatisfying and just ... I don't even know how to explain it. Not wanting to rain on anyone's parade. I can see why people are excited by the photos released so far. I understand the excitement around Jaafar. But it's not for me. And seeing those photos is heartbreaking. Really, really painful so goodness knows what the film would feel like. I want the film to do well and everyone to be really pleased with it but I'm not expecting to go and see it. I might change my mind but, right now, it feels unlikely. I just don't think I can do it.

Same. I totally share those sentiment

 

[PixieJ]

I don't think the sony thing will be mentioned. It's a thing that happened and MJ moved on from it, not really sure why some fans are so obsessed.

I don't know whether you were around as a fan when this actually happened. But it wasn't just something that happened and Michael got over it. It mattered to him and to us.

 

[Blues_Away2023]

Is anyone not sure they'll be watching the film? Because it might be too painful?

I am so excited for this movie!!! It's all I've been thinking about recently.

I became a fan in 2001 so was pretty much there through all the crap in the 2000s, wasn't fun at all being a fan especially with a lack of new music and performances, instead we got treated to the 2005 trial

I was devastated like the rest of us in 2009 after being so close to seeing Michael in concert. So his death was painful.

Since then I've lost my mother and other family members. So personally, I've been through worse than losing Michael for me.

The movie is needed for his image. It's so important.

 

[wendijane]

.... Well currently ..the thought of watching the film is painful to me , Great for new blood which is what the estate is always of course going for. great for those who can ....feel they can watch their childhood/pain/ joy replayed !
Depending on how you look at this ... it will hit right with some and hit hard with others. depending how long/where they are in their fandom ..think it comes down to this. that's all i can say at thi point ..i might change opinion as it draws closer -Once hyped - if hyped- i doubt though
I really loved seeing John and Prince at the set! Pop in to MJJC Prince sometime will you ? do us a Q& A ! Just a thought -maybe lol

@Lorraine please opinion? does this hit right for you mama ? i'm kind of icky on the fence right now !! [ hi btw honey]

Edited : because i needed to add more here. @PixieJ hello ,ty btw you can unlike if you don't agree here- i have updated sorry x

 

[PixieJ]

I am so excited for this movie!!! It's all I've been thinking about recently.

I became a fan in 2001 so was pretty much there through all the crap in the 2000s, wasn't fun at all being a fan especially with a lack of new music and performances, instead we got treated to the 2005 trial

I was devastated like the rest of us in 2009 after being so close to seeing Michael in concert. So his death was painful.

Since then I've lost my mother and other family members. So personally, I've been through worse than losing Michael for me.

The movie is needed for his image. It's so important.

I agree that it's needed. And I am glad people are excited. I just don't know if I will watch it myself. I might do. Right now i am just not sure.

 

[wendijane]

Oh, please. Get a Grip on yourself. Michael Jackson was the most JOYFUL person ever to be on this planet.
Just LISTEN: "EVERYBODY"

"ENJOY YOURSELF":

.....................

 

[Galactus123]

Is anyone not sure they'll be watching the film? Because it might be too painful?

At first I didn't really want to watch a movie about MJ. I didn't think it would be good but now I'm starting to get excited about it.

 

[MJImpeccable]

This is literally the biggest celebration project on Michaels legacy we are ever going to get. This will reach the masses, the potential of this movie enormous and its time to shine a positive light on Michael after all the shit thats gets posted about him even years after his death.

Sure while you keep reading all the bs articles and hate comments and making yourself sad and disappointed for the rest of your life.
Next year imma watch the biggest fk biopic the world will ever see and see the genius of the Michael Jackson.

 

[wendijane]

i guess to look at it this way. m always, always , always seemed fascinated with film making , directing and the art of film etc. so that's something to think about. i thought your comment was thought provoking @PixieJ and something that also shouldn't bee overlooked. thanks for posting it and of course , welcome back to the board .

 

[zinniabooklover]

[...] Sure while you keep reading all the bs articles and hate comments [...]

I suppose some people might be doing this. Not me, though. Wouldn't even occur to me to do this.

 

[wendijane]

This is literally the biggest celebration project on Michaels legacy we are ever going to get. This will reach the masses, the potential of this movie enormous and its time to shine a positive light on Michael after all the shit thats gets posted about him even years after his death.

Sure while you keep reading all the bs articles and hate comments and making yourself sad and disappointed for the rest of your life.
Next year imma watch the biggest fk biopic the world will ever see and see the genius of the Michael Jackson.

Thing is though .. Did you feel the pain when it was all going on? apologies if you are a longtime fan and only just joined- re-joined
i do think @CherubimII has got a valid point too. in thiscase all opinions and emotions are valid to express here on this thread.

 

[MJImpeccable]

Thing is though .. Did you feel the pain when it was all going on? apologies if you are a longtime fan and only just joined- re-joined
i do think @CherubimII has got a valid point too. in thiscase all opinions and emotions are valid to express here on this thread.

No I guess im lucky I didn't. And I can understandstand his/her point.
However, Michael passed away, the amount of positive new things coming out are very limited. This biopic is going to be the last positive BIG thing we as fans are going to get. We as fans are allowed to enjoy besides the suffering due to ignorant people and media.

Also if im honest, I dont think it mentally healthy to be so obsessed with Michael that that all the negativety around him (after all these years) still ruins your own well being. The bad times while he was alive are gone, I hope he is now more at peace. We as fans should now celebrate all the beautiful things he gave us.

So you either stay at home feeling sad about what happend (and is happening) to Michael,
or you support it, and enjoy how his mastery is translated into a movie starring a real Jackson family member and celebrate Michael Jackson's life and enjoy the last positive big project we are going to get.

 

[SmoothGangsta]

I suppose some people might be doing this. Not me, though. Wouldn't even occur to me to do this.

Why anyone would go searching for it is beyond me.

 

[wendijane]

No I guess im lucky I didn't. And I can understandstand his/her point.
However, Michael passed away, the amount of positive new things coming out are very limited.

This biopic is going to be the last positive BIG thing we as fans are going to get. We as fans are allowed to enjoy besides the suffering due to ignorant people and media.

Also if im honest, I dont think it mentally healthy to be so obsessed with Michael that that all the negativety around him (after all these years) still ruins your own well being.

The bad times while he was alive are gone, I hope he is now more at peace. We as fans should now celebrate all the beautiful things he gave us.

So you either stay at home feeling sad about what happend (and is happening) to Michael,
or you support it, and enjoy how his mastery is translated into a movie starring a real Jackson family member and celebrate Michael Jackson's life and enjoy the last positive big project we are going to get.

Firstly, welcome! We might need to open another 3 threads on various points, i think. But i do appreciate your 'for' passion and overall view on this, and bringing up interesting thoughts as it could lead to a very healthy discussion amongst us all.

 

[PixieJ]

Wow, I didn't think this would be so divisive. Maybe this wasn't the right place to post this. Maybe this thread should just stay a celebration of the project. I apologize if this seemed like a negative comment about the film itself.

Obviously I have nothing against the film. In fact I am very excited to know it's being made. I agree that Michael deserves a good biopic, and this will not the be last one made, I am sure. I am glad for anyone who goes to see it, especially if it is positive and a celebration of him and his life. He absolutely deserves it.

It was just a very personal take that no one needs to share. I might not watch it. Not soon. Maybe never. Or maybe one day I will. Who knows.

I am glad some people here understand where I am coming from though.

 

[MJImpeccable]

Wow, I didn't think this would be so divisive. Maybe this wasn't the right place to post this. Maybe this thread should just stay a celebration of the project. I apologize if this seemed like a negative comment about the film itself.

Obviously I have nothing against the film. In fact I am very excited to know it's being made. I agree that Michael deserves a good biopic, and this will not the be last one made, I am sure. I am glad for anyone who goes to see it, especially if it is positive and a celebration of him and his life. He absolutely deserves it.

It was just a very personal take that no one needs to share. I might not watch it. Not soon. Maybe never. Or maybe one day I will. Who knows.

I am glad some people here understand where I am coming from though.

Dont worry, the question is actually a really relevant one, especially since there seem to be two camps.

This is where a forum is for, to share our views, opinions and feelings. Even if you dont like what someone else thinks or says. So dont apologize

I just hope I gave you a different perpective because I hope you can enjoy it as much as some of us hopefully will.

 

[1nn5]

I hope that the story-script of the film wasn't written to only please the fans community.

 

[wendijane]

I hope that the story-script of the film wasn't written to only please the fans community.

what do you mean ? @1nn5 elaborate please? How can someone's life story be adapted to ' please' the fan community ? We all know what happened here, so i think they will write it as it was, regardless .. isn't that the point of this ?

 

[IhateTheMedia]

This is literally the biggest celebration project on Michaels legacy we are ever going to get. This will reach the masses, the potential of this movie enormous and its time to shine a positive light on Michael after all the shit thats gets posted about him even years after his death.

Sure while you keep reading all the bs articles and hate comments and making yourself sad and disappointed for the rest of your life.
Next year imma watch the biggest fk biopic the world will ever see and see the genius of the Michael Jackson.

What this guy said

 

[wendijane]

@Agonum . ....

 

[PixieJ]

Why anyone would go searching for it is beyond me.

Yeah.no idea who would do that. Not sure where that comment came from.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

Some of us don't go to the movie theatres like that lol. I mean there's a few flicks I wanna see but the only one I have to see is the next Spider-Verse.

 

[8701girl]

I haven been to the movies in ages i miss it

 

[Annita]

Prince Jackson and John Branca on set of the Biopic - MJVibe

Prince Jackson and his new body John Branca were spotted on the set of the upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic in Los Angeles yesterday.

www.mjvibe.com

Prince Jackson and John Branca on set of the Biopic​

Prince Jackson and his new buddy John Branca were spotted on the set of the upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic in Los Angeles yesterday (Friday 15 March).
Making a supportive visit to the cast and crew during production, Prince Jackson engaged with those involved in the filming of the movie chronicling his father’s life.
Jaafar Jackson was obviously filming a scene for the movie dressed in a red and white varsity jacket, dark jeans and red patent leather boots.
Variety reports that a reliable source close to production revealed that at least one other family member besides Jaafar is present on set every single day of filming.


Meanwhile, KeiLyn Durrel Jones is the actor playing Bill Bray. KeiLyn is known for his role in “Time After Time” (2017), “Jessica Jones” series (2015) and “Out of the Blue” (2022).

Bill Bray was a police officer and served as a security guard for The Jacksons and later Michael Jackson. He formed a very close bond with Michael and even becoming his “second father” according to Bill’s wife. Bill is listed as head of security on all Michael Jackson tours, Victory, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory.
Michael also wrote in his autobiography “Moonwalk”: “Bill is very careful and immensely professional in his job, but he doesn’t worry about things after the fact. He travels with me everywhere and occasionally he’s my only companion on short trips. I can’t imagine life without Bill; he’s warm and funny and absolutely in love with life. He’s a great man.”
Michael Jackson paid for some of Bill bray’s medical expenses until he died. Bill Bray Retired in 1996. From all accounts, Bill Bray did remain on Michael’s payroll for the remainder of his life, which would simply mean he retired.
Michael did issue a public statement when Bill Bray died in 2005 at the age of 80, saying that he was saddened by the death and that Bill would always have a special place in his heart.

“Michael is very, very, very saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bray, who was a longtime friend and mentor to him and very trusted adviser to him,” said spokeperson Raymone Bain. She said Jackson, who has been living in Bahrain since winning an acquittal on child molestation charges in June, had spoken to members of Bray’s family by telephone.

 

[1nn5]

what do you mean ? @1nn5 elaborate please?

I'm waiting for a film that gives a strong mixed opinion/ feeling after watching it, especially for the viewer who a fan of MJ.
There's things to criticize on MJ's life and career that I'm waiting how carefully they will treat it

 

[wendijane]

I'm waiting for a film that gives a strong mixed opinion/ feeling after watching it, especially for the viewer who a fan of MJ.
There's things to criticize on MJ's life and career that I'm waiting how carefully they will treat it

OH , thanks for the clarification. I think it will be cut throat viewing, no question.

So many people have been talking in other wonderful threads , & currently i'm...distracted. But ..just thinking who it was now , who sort of said that they think the public will only really feel what Michael went through is ..if the film portrays that tortured pain Michael felt through half of his life. I agree with this strong, serious sentiment ! It is very brain stimulating indeed & i do think that this film will not be sugar-coated one bit. It makes me break out in a cold sweat just thinking a little bit about it. The fight or flight response comes into play for me here.
I think it was @summer could you please confirm if it was you?

 

[etoile 37]

Pretty much everybody agrees that we don't want to see John Branca as the narrator, and personally I would prefer if there was no narrator at all. However, if they do decide to add a narrator, I feel like the only character who could bring something insightful to the story would be Joe Jackson.

First of all, his controversial character is more interesting than Branca's serious lawyer tone could ever be. But mostly, no relationship Michael ever had had more impact on him than his failed relationship with his father. It was Joe and his dream that started it all and set Michael on the path to become a superstar. Unlike Branca, Joe was there from the beginning until the end. Unlike Branca, Michael could never completely cut him out of his life, because he was his father and Joe refused to let Michael push him out of his life, even breaking into his house when Michael refused to see him. Even when he was not present to witness certain events, you could see him always keeping up with what was going on in Michael's life, even from a distance, and always wanting to be involved.

Having Joe as the narrator would also be an interesting way to show the contrast between how Joe acted in private vs in public, how he mistreated Michael, destroyed his self-esteem and never showed him love in private, whereas in public he always defended him and spoke of him with love and pride.

I mean, this is what Joe was telling Michael in private, and it could be shown in a scene:
“God, your nose is big. You didn't get it from me! Your nose is so big and it’s so ugly. Look at it. Oh, it’s disgusting, I can’t look at you. Turn away from me.”

And this is what Joe was saying in interviews, and they could have Joe say it as the narrator:
“That boy's so sensitive about his nose. Do you see anything wrong with his nose? Me neither. Threatened to have it fixed. What can he do with it? I told him I'd break his face if he ever had it fixed. He's got a great nose. It looks like mine.”

Even when Michael tried to keep Joe away, he was still ever present on his mind, influencing how he felt and the things he did. When Michael told this to Karen Faye after the bridge accident: “The only thing that I heard in my head, was my father's voice saying to me, MICHAEL, DON'T DISAPPOINT THE AUDIENCE!”
Or when people wonder why he didn't just cancel the This Is It shows instead of pushing himself beyond what his body could endure, the first thing that comes to my mind is this story Joe told:

“After the ambulance got to the show and worked on me, I was barely able to get up. I remember Michael and the boys looking at me with their youthful eyes, full of confusion as if asking “What do we do now?”. I looked straight at them and without any hesitation said “You go on stage and do the show, like nothing has happened. The show must always go on!” Michael internalized that lesson and over the years, even in pain, stress, sadness, he would never let the public see it. He was a professional till the end. In my eyes “The Greatest Entertainer that ever lived”.

As a narrator, Joe can explain so much of the stuff that happened in Michael's life. He's the one who taught Michael he had to go on stage no matter the pain and sadness.

 

[Billie Jean 78]

Pretty much everybody agrees that we don't want to see John Branca as the narrator, and personally I would prefer if there was no narrator at all. However, if they do decide to add a narrator, I feel like the only character who could bring something insightful to the story would be Joe Jackson.

First of all, his controversial character is more interesting than Branca's serious lawyer tone could ever be. But mostly, no relationship Michael ever had had more impact on him than his failed relationship with his father. It was Joe and his dream that started it all and set Michael on the path to become a superstar. Unlike Branca, Joe was there from the beginning until the end. Unlike Branca, Michael could never completely cut him out of his life, because he was his father and Joe refused to let Michael push him out of his life, even breaking into his house when Michael refused to see him. Even when he was not present to witness certain events, you could see him always keeping up with what was going on in Michael's life, even from a distance, and always wanting to be involved.

Having Joe as the narrator would also be an interesting way to show the contrast between how Joe acted in private vs in public, how he mistreated Michael, destroyed his self-esteem and never showed him love in private, whereas in public he always defended him and spoke of him with love and pride.

I mean, this is what Joe was telling Michael in private, and it could be shown in a scene:
“God, your nose is big. You didn't get it from me! Your nose is so big and it’s so ugly. Look at it. Oh, it’s disgusting, I can’t look at you. Turn away from me.”

And this is what Joe was saying in interviews, and they could have Joe say it as the narrator:
“That boy's so sensitive about his nose. Do you see anything wrong with his nose? Me neither. Threatened to have it fixed. What can he do with it? I told him I'd break his face if he ever had it fixed. He's got a great nose. It looks like mine.”

Even when Michael tried to keep Joe away, he was still ever present on his mind, influencing how he felt and the things he did. When Michael told this to Karen Faye after the bridge accident: “The only thing that I heard in my head, was my father's voice saying to me, MICHAEL, DON'T DISAPPOINT THE AUDIENCE!”
Or when people wonder why he didn't just cancel the This Is It shows instead of pushing himself beyond what his body could endure, the first thing that comes to my mind is this story Joe told:

“After the ambulance got to the show and worked on me, I was barely able to get up. I remember Michael and the boys looking at me with their youthful eyes, full of confusion as if asking “What do we do now?”. I looked straight at them and without any hesitation said “You go on stage and do the show, like nothing has happened. The show must always go on!” Michael internalized that lesson and over the years, even in pain, stress, sadness, he would never let the public see it. He was a professional till the end. In my eyes “The Greatest Entertainer that ever lived”.

As a narrator, Joe can explain so much of the stuff that happened in Michael's life. He's the one who taught Michael he had to go on stage no matter the pain and sadness.

This is actually a frightingly superb idea, very creative and by sure it would explain things in a rather convincing way if told by Joe. I think people would have a lot of understanding for the way Michael was if it was thrown into their faces that it was Joe who was responsible for the software Michael received.

I wonder though if it wouldn't reduce the adult element of Michael's persona if his entire life were told by his father... Kind of making him an infant again in the eyes of the public.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

Pretty much everybody agrees that we don't want to see John Branca as the narrator, and personally I would prefer if there was no narrator at all. However, if they do decide to add a narrator, I feel like the only character who could bring something insightful to the story would be Joe Jackson.

First of all, his controversial character is more interesting than Branca's serious lawyer tone could ever be. But mostly, no relationship Michael ever had had more impact on him than his failed relationship with his father. It was Joe and his dream that started it all and set Michael on the path to become a superstar. Unlike Branca, Joe was there from the beginning until the end. Unlike Branca, Michael could never completely cut him out of his life, because he was his father and Joe refused to let Michael push him out of his life, even breaking into his house when Michael refused to see him. Even when he was not present to witness certain events, you could see him always keeping up with what was going on in Michael's life, even from a distance, and always wanting to be involved.

Having Joe as the narrator would also be an interesting way to show the contrast between how Joe acted in private vs in public, how he mistreated Michael, destroyed his self-esteem and never showed him love in private, whereas in public he always defended him and spoke of him with love and pride.

I mean, this is what Joe was telling Michael in private, and it could be shown in a scene:
“God, your nose is big. You didn't get it from me! Your nose is so big and it’s so ugly. Look at it. Oh, it’s disgusting, I can’t look at you. Turn away from me.”

And this is what Joe was saying in interviews, and they could have Joe say it as the narrator:
“That boy's so sensitive about his nose. Do you see anything wrong with his nose? Me neither. Threatened to have it fixed. What can he do with it? I told him I'd break his face if he ever had it fixed. He's got a great nose. It looks like mine.”

Even when Michael tried to keep Joe away, he was still ever present on his mind, influencing how he felt and the things he did. When Michael told this to Karen Faye after the bridge accident: “The only thing that I heard in my head, was my father's voice saying to me, MICHAEL, DON'T DISAPPOINT THE AUDIENCE!”
Or when people wonder why he didn't just cancel the This Is It shows instead of pushing himself beyond what his body could endure, the first thing that comes to my mind is this story Joe told:

“After the ambulance got to the show and worked on me, I was barely able to get up. I remember Michael and the boys looking at me with their youthful eyes, full of confusion as if asking “What do we do now?”. I looked straight at them and without any hesitation said “You go on stage and do the show, like nothing has happened. The show must always go on!” Michael internalized that lesson and over the years, even in pain, stress, sadness, he would never let the public see it. He was a professional till the end. In my eyes “The Greatest Entertainer that ever lived”.

As a narrator, Joe can explain so much of the stuff that happened in Michael's life. He's the one who taught Michael he had to go on stage no matter the pain and sadness.

Damn, this actually goes so hard. I want it.