Ahead of the premiere of the Michael Jackson biographical film, a member of the Jackson family has voiced strong opinions regarding media coverage. Taj Jackson, the son of Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson, took to social media to express his belief that the general public will ultimately form their own conclusions about Michael Jackson's life and legacy after seeing the movie, thereby challenging established media narratives.
The film, simply titled 'Michael,' is under the direction of Antoine Fuqua and is partly produced by Michael Jackson's estate. It chronicles the pop icon's journey from his early days as a 10-year-old member of the Jackson 5 to the pinnacle of his global fame, around 1988, when he was 30 and touring for his iconic album, Bad.
Initial plans for the biopic included a more extensive timeline, incorporating the 1993 child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson and the subsequent legal investigations. However, legal representatives for the Jackson Estate discovered that a prior settlement with one accuser legally prohibited any depiction or mention of these specific events within the film. This revelation necessitated significant changes to the film's narrative, leading to a new third act being developed and requiring 22 days of re-shoots, incurring an additional cost of $15-20 million.
Industry projections for 'Michael' anticipate a domestic opening weekend revenue of $65-70 million, with global earnings potentially reaching $700 million. Despite these financial expectations, the film's current critical reception, as indicated by an aggregation of reviews, shows a 37% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Taj Jackson remains defiant in the face of critical opinions, stating his eagerness for some critics to 'eat crow' once the public has had a chance to see the film.
Taj Jackson's outspoken remarks highlight an ongoing tension between artistic representation, public perception, and media interpretation, particularly when dealing with figures as complex and globally recognized as Michael Jackson. The biopic aims to offer a comprehensive look at his career, allowing audiences to engage directly with the narrative presented on screen, rather than relying solely on pre-existing media portrayals.