The recently released biopic“Michael”is hitting the headlines, but not just for its star-studded cast or nostalgic tunes. Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King found themselves benefiting handsomely—receiving an extra $25 million payment after deciding to remove child sex abuse allegations from the film. Talk about a lucrative rewrite!
Initially, Fuqua was set to earn $10 million, while King’s paycheck was aimed at $6 million. However, when legal complications necessitated scenes to be reshot, their bank accounts swelled, thanks to Michael Jackson’s estate. How’s that for a deal? This film now focuses solely on Jackson’s rise as a pop icon, leaving a chapter of scandal seemingly sealed.
Interestingly, there’s chatter about a potential sequel that could venture into the darker facets of Jackson’s life, depending on how fans respond to the first film. So, are audiences ready to dance into the controversy, or is it best left in the past? With a box office debut around the corner, we’re left pondering if the King of Pop’s story can be as compelling as his music—or if it’s just another “Thriller.”
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.