A New Chapter for Michael Jackson’s Story
Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s film about the life of Michael Jackson, has taken the global box office by storm in recent weeks. With its impressive earnings and potential for even more revenue, the announcement of a sequel is now inevitable. The film’s success is not hard to understand—it offers an entertaining experience with a standout performance by Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, who plays the title role. The re-creations of iconic performances like Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough, Beat It, and Thriller are undeniably spectacular, even if the narrative that ties them together feels somewhat forced.
The film has also sparked discussions about the omission of key events in Jackson’s life, particularly the child abuse allegations he faced throughout his career. These include cases from 1993, 2003, and even after his death in 2009, as highlighted in the documentary Leaving Neverland. An early version of the script did touch on the 1993 case, but it had to be revised due to a legal clause from a settlement with Jordan Chandler, which prevented any dramatisation of his story.
If a sequel is indeed made, there are plenty of opportunities for further exploration. The first sequel could focus on moments like the Bad video featuring Wesley Snipes or the Smooth Criminal music video from the Bad album. Jaafar has expressed interest in taking on this role again, and given his success in the first film, he would likely be a strong choice.
While some collaborations may not be possible—such as Paul McCartney’s involvement due to past tensions—others might still be feasible. Stevie Wonder, who performed at Jackson’s funeral, could potentially allow his likeness to be used in a re-creation of Just Good Friends. There are also numerous other videos and performances waiting to be revisited, including the Black or White video, Jackson’s marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, and the Earth Song performance.
Even if the filmmakers run out of videos to recreate, there are still live performances that could be included. For example, Jackson’s emotional renditions of She’s Out of My Life or Man in the Mirror could add depth to the sequel.
As for the narrative in the second film, it may not be as crucial as the musical elements. A hit sequel could simply string together these musical moments without needing a complex storyline. However, a second sequel could take a different approach, diving into the darker aspects of Jackson’s life that were omitted in the first film. This would require a more serious tone and potentially a different cast, as Jaafar may not return for such a project.
This kind of film could offer a more in-depth look at the controversies surrounding Jackson, something that fans and critics alike have long desired. While it may not be as commercially appealing, it could provide a more balanced portrayal of his legacy.
The success of films like Bohemian Rhapsody shows that audiences are willing to engage with biopics that explore the complexities of their subjects. A final, unauthoroured film on Michael Jackson could complete a trilogy that honors his contributions while acknowledging the challenges he faced.
