The new Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael,’ has hit theaters, and director Spike Lee is stepping up to defend its narrative choices, particularly the exclusion of child abuse allegations. Lee argues that these criticisms miss the mark because they don’t align with the film’s specific timeline.
Timeline is Key, Says Lee
Speaking with CNN, Spike Lee pointed out that the film concludes in 1988, focusing on Michael Jackson’s rise to fame and his first international solo tour. The first significant child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson surfaced much later, in 1993.
“The stuff you’re talking about, accusations, happen [later],” Lee explained. “So you’re critiquing the film on something that you want in, but it doesn’t work in the timeline of the film.” He added that despite these critiques, audiences worldwide have shown their love for the movie.
Echoes from the Cast and Box Office Success
Lee’s perspective aligns with sentiments shared by the film’s stars. Actors Nia Long (Katherine Jackson) and Colman Domingo (Joseph Jackson) have also addressed the omission, with Domingo stating the film is “centered on the makings of Michael,” rather than his later life.
The film, featuring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, has been a massive success at the box office. It debuted with an impressive $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing music biopic since 2015’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’.
Production Challenges and Potential Sequels
Interestingly, the film underwent significant reshoots, costing an additional $15 million on top of its $155 million budget. These changes were made to remove a finale that depicted police investigating Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. The original wrap date was in 2024, but production faced delays due to legal issues concerning a settlement with the Chandler family.
Reportedly, the settlement prohibits the Jackson estate from dramatizing the story involving the Chandlers. However, director Antoine Fuqua, along with Long and Domingo, have hinted at the possibility of a sequel that could potentially explore these sensitive allegations further.
What do you think about Spike Lee’s defense of the ‘Michael’ biopic’s timeline? Share your thoughts in the comments below!