Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, chronicles the life of the King of Pop. One of the most anticipated biopics of recent years released on April 24. It covers the period from the legend’s involvement with the Jackson 5 in the 60s to his early solo career.
However, before Antoine Fuqua directed the new movie, it was Sandeep Reddy Vanga who had expressed a desire to make one on the music icon. The man behind Animal, Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, and the upcoming Spirit, Vanga, had bigger plans and was already thinking about a Michael Jackson biopic, but it couldn’t happen because of some reasons.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga wanted to make Michael Jackson biopic
In one of his old interviews, which has started trending again due to the release of the freshly brewed Michael, Sandeep Reddy Vanga said he was already thinking about what a biopic would cost a filmmaker, that is, creatively, morally, and practically. He, however, also explained why the movie would be nearly impossible to make.
Vanga told Galatta Plus in 2024 that Michael Jackson’s life had every subplot a movie requires. However, the issue was who exactly could play the part onscreen. “It is a very interesting life, you know, Michael Jackson’s life right from his childhood, when he was singing in school, and how he changed his skin colour and all that, what he has been through, it’s a great journey, great story.”
Casting was ‘tricky’
Speaking of his reservation, Vanga said that the casting was something every filmmaker who’s ever thought of a biopic faced. “Who will play Michael Jackson? So that’s the question,” he said.
Michael Jackson carried a certain aura due to his distinct personality. From his physicality to movement, voice, and sheer presence on stage was legendary. And translating that on screen was a challenge if the casting wasn’t done right. If any filmmaker is able to get the right actor, Vanga said it would be a “dream come true.” As much as it sounded “tricky” to him at that time, he added, “whoever directs it, I’m going to buy the ticket and watch, because I want to know right.”
How to depict the controversial chapters?
Even though the new movie Michael keeps aside the most controversial chapters that plagued Jackson’s later life, focusing more on legacy and music, Vanga also said that an honest depiction of that in a biopic would be a challenge. That’s because “you never know what is the right set and the wrong until something got proved,” the Indian filmmaker explained.
About Michael
Interestingly, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, managed to crack the code by roping in the pop legend’s nephew Jaafar Jackson for the role. The biopic also features Colman Domingo and Nia Long cast as his parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson.