10 Upcoming Movies That Are Causing Huge Controversy
9. Michael
It was just a matter of time before Hollywood announced a Michael Jackson biopic, with Lionsgate recently confirming development of an estate-endorsed drama about the iconic pop singer's life, entitled Michael, with Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) set to direct and Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson picked to star.
Given that Jackson's estate is heavily involved and the film is being produced by Graham King - whose Bohemian Rhapsody was widely criticised for its sanitised presentation of Freddie Mercury's sexuality - it's reasonable to expect anything but a warts-and-all biopic.
After all, it's impossible to consider Jackson's legacy as a musician without broaching the numerous child sexual abuse allegations levelled against him over the decades, and yet, it's reasonable to expect that the film will heavily downplay them.
Though director Fuqua has promised that the movie won't ignore Jackson's personal controversies, it's incredibly difficult to believe that a film co-authored by his family will offer an even-handed account of the allegations.
Shooting hasn't yet begun, though it's fair to say that the controversy will accelerate manifold once a trailer drops and the film's release approaches.