A biopic based on the life of the King of Pop Michael Jackson is in the works. The pop star has had a life that is big-screen worthy, with his rise from being a child musician to being one of the biggest pop culture icons of the century. The pop star died in 2009 due to a drug overdose.
The Michael Jackson biopic is titled Michael and will be produced by Graham King, who produced the Freddie Mercury story Bohemian Rhapsody. The Equalizer 3 director Antoine Fuqua has been roped in to direct the biopic. The film is backed by Lionsgate Studios and is written by John Logan, who is known for writing the film The Aviator, a biopic on Howard Hughes.
Other than Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson being cast as the King of Pop, no other cast details have been revealed. With that in mind, here are six actors who would be right to play the different people in Jackson’s life:
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Tristan Wilds As A Younger Micheal Jackson
Actor Tristan Wilds has been a part of many acclaimed dramas and has proved himself to be a worthy actor to handle complex characters. He would fit into the shoes of a younger Michael Jackson, still moving on to a solo career and wanting to separate himself from the shadow of his family. Wilds has starred in The Wire as well as in films such as Half Nelson, The Secret Life of Bees, and Shots Fired. While Jaafar Jackson, who has been cast as the King of Pop might have inside knowledge about the singer, his acting abilities are yet to be proved.
Evan Ross As An Older Micheal Jackson
Micheal Jackson’s later years, especially after his skin condition worsened were marred by controversy. The child s-x abuse allegations, the Pepsi commercial incident, and the speculations about his appearance were particularly troubling times for the star. An actor like Evan Ross would certainly bring in his ability to portray this moment in the star’s life sensitively. Being the son of pop singer Diana Ross also helps him get the necessary insider information about what Michael Jackson truly went through.
Drew Barrymore As Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley was the daughter of Elvis Presley and was married to Michael Jackson for two years. Marie Presley was a great friend of Jackson and was especially there for him during the time when he was facing child s-xual abuse allegations. Marie Presley reportedly supported him throughout the ordeal and was extremely worried about his prescription drug addiction during that time. The couple divorced in 1996 but remained friends thereafter.
Drew Barrymore would be perfect to play the troubled yet caring Marie Presley. Apart from the physical resemblance, Barrymore’s life as a child actor growing up in a publicized environment would give her the necessary edge to play Elvis Presley’s daughter.
Will Smith As Joe Jackson
Joseph ‘Joe’ Jackson was the father of Michael Jackson and was the one who honed Jackson’s musical and performance abilities. He formed the band The Jackson 5 with his children and managed the band. He also kickstarted the career of his daughter Janet Jackson. Michael Jackson had a troubled relationship with his father as he publicly claimed that he was emotionally and physically abusive to him and his siblings as children.
Actor Will Smith would be perfect to play the role of the strict patriarch of the Jackson family. He already played a similar role as Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams in King Richard. The actor has also worked with director Antoine Fuqua recently in the drama Emancipation.
Mahershala Ali As Jermaine Jackson
The eldest of The Jackson 5, Jermaine Jackson was the second lead singer in the band. He left the band and was the only member of the band to stay back at Motown Records when Joe Jackson pulled the band out to sign on to a different label. While he rejoined much later, he did venture into a solo career much like Michael Jackson. Jermaine Jackson also produced music for other artists and featured with singers such as Whitney Houston.
Actor Mahershala Ali could definitely pull off the calm and strong Jermaine Jackson. The eldest Jackson has been a spokesperson for the family during their toughest times and Ali could definitely bring in that vibe, something similar to his role in Moonlight. Ali has also played a musician before when he played Don Shirley in Green Book.
Halle Bailey As Janet Jackson
The youngest of the Jackson Family, Janet Jackson was the only other one in the family to have a good solo career after The Jackson 5. She is known for her electric stage presence and was instrumental in the growth of MTV with her modern sound and choreography. The singer has publicly stated that she wished to be known as an independent artist and not as a ‘shadow Jackson child’.
The Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey would be perfect for the role of Janet Jackson. She has the necessary acting chops as well as the screen presence to handle the character. She is no stranger to headlining big productions and also has a singing career with her sister Chloe.
Source: Deadline
