Michael Jackson Biopic Reportedly in the Works from Producer of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Michael Jackson’s rise and fall is set to hit the big screen in a new film that has the blessing from his estate, and the producer of “Bohemian Rhapsody” is backing the project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Graham King, who recently worked on Freddy Mercury’s acclaimed biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” has acquired the rights to make a movie of the late King of Pop thought GK Films.

GREENLIGHT FOR THE BIG SCREEN

King will have access to Jackson’s extensive music catalog and will be working with the late singer’s state.

The estate is suing HBO for $100 million and wants the network to face public scrutiny for their slandering of the late pop superstar.

The producer reportedly brought John Logan on board to write the screenplay.

Logan’s resume includes three Oscar nominations for the films “The Aviator,” where he worked with King; “Hugo” and the James Bond films “Skyfall” and ”Spectre.”

A CONTROVERSIAL LIFE

The film is set to retell the story of Michael’s complicated childhood, his rise to fame as part of the Jackson 5, and the journey that led him to become a global icon and one of the most successful, yet controversial artists of our time.

Deadline reports that the film “isn’t intended to be a sanitized rendering of Jackson’s life,” which means it will also include the singer’s legal battles after being accused of sexually assaulting children.

It will also cover Jackson’s tragic death in 2009 at the age of 50.

THE JACKSON ESTATE VS. HBO

The news of the upcoming biopic comes in the wake of the Jackson family lawsuit against HBO for its Emmy-winning documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which caused quite the ruckus after its release in March.

The documentary, which Jackson’s estate has called a “one-sided documentary without any journalistic integrity,” brings to light the statements of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who said the singer abused them as kids.

The estate is suing HBO for $100 million and wants the network to face public scrutiny for their slandering of the late pop superstar.

In the past years, the interest in bringing Michael’s life to the screen has been growing exponentially.

And that also includes live productions, like the Broadway musical “MJ the Musical,' which is being produced by the singer’s estate in conjunction with producer Lia Vollack and director Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon.

THE MAIN CHARACTER

According to Hollywood Reporter Tony nominee Ephraim Sykes was cast for the leading role.

Talking to Essence about the role, Sykes said he had memories of seeing Jackson dancing to “Bad” and “Leave me Alone” and realizing that he wanted to be like him.

“I really want to do my best to bring it back down to show how human he truly was,” Sykes added on his upcoming performance.

He

that, after the slandering of the singer’s name, he hopes fans can still feel sympathy when they watch the show.

As for the upcoming movie, not more details have been released to the public.