He’s the director of the upcoming movie biopic on Michael Jackson and for Antoine Fuqua, whose movie credits include “Training Day,” and “The Equalizer” Trilogy, Michael Jackson was a big influence.
“It is a very spiritual journey making a movie about Michael Jackson as he was the first one, I saw make an impact and cross over the way he did,” shares Fuqua who began his career in the early 1990s as a prolific director of music videos. “It meant that there was no ceiling and people who looked like me were able to achieve international fame. He was always larger than life and made an impact and it gave me a lot of inspiration.”
The biographical film about Michael Jackson, starring Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) tells the story of Michael’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to becoming the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.
“We are making a film for people that really love Michael,” continues Fuqua, “And my dream is for people to walk out feeling that they really understand Michael a little bit more.”
The film, which is a cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists in music, also stars Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy and Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson.
“Michael” releases in theatres April 24.
By Samantha Ofole-Prince / Film Photos by Glen Wilson/Lionsgate