Graham King, whose previous producer credits include the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, has secured rights from the Michael Jackson estate to make a movie about the late singer and Leaving Neverland subject.
King’s company GK Film, per a Deadlinereport, has tapped John Logan (Gladiator, Sweeney Todd, etc.) to write the script. At this time, a studio is not attached. The publication hears the untitled biopic will not be a "sanitized" take on Jackson's story, opting instead to cover "his entire life."
Logan and King previously collaborated on the critically revered Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator, among other projects. The Martin Scorsese-helmed film went on to bag five Academy Awards.
News of the MJ biopic, which has been given access to use the late singer's music, arrives on the heels of word that the Broadway musical centered on Jackson had found its lead.
Hamilton and Ain't Too Proud alum Ephraim Sykes will portray Jackson in MJ: The Musical, which will boast direction and choreography from Christopher Wheeldon.
"Ephraim Sykes is a bonafide triple threat, and dynamic rising star on Broadway. I am honored to be working with him on this exciting new production," Wheeldon told Broadway Newsearlier this week.
MJ: The Musical kicks off previews July 6, 2020 at the Neil Simon Theatre.
In this year's Dan Reed-directed Leaving Neverland documentary, which has received multiple critical statements from the Jackson estate, Wade Robson and James Safechuck recalled alleged sexual abuse by Jackson.
