Michael Jackson‘s biopic is already causing controversy … with the film’s creators promising the uncensored truth and the “Leaving Neverland” director calling BS.
Here’s the deal … the new MJ film’s reportedly been touted in multiple press releases as an honest portrayal of Michael Jackson’s life with a focus on both his talent and his very human struggles.
Variety checked in with producer Graham King and screenwriter John Logan, who do put the abuse allegations into the film — after all, Michael went through a very public criminal trial over them, so it would be hard not to — but ultimately portray him through a lens of innocence since he wasn’t convicted back then.
In a separate statement, Graham King said he didn’t sanitize Michael’s life one bit … instead working hard to present an unbiased picture of the King of Pop.
Well, “Leaving Neverland” director Dan Reed‘s not buying that … telling the outlet he’s read a copy of the “Michael” screenplay — and it’s basically an ode to MJ.
Remember … “Leaving Neverland” featured allegations of child sex abuse against Jackson by Wade Robson and James Safechuck — their court case against Jackson’s estate is still awaiting trial.
Reed says the movie goes out of its way to show Michael interacting with kids in a positive way … and he even goes as far as to say it seems like Michael’s former attorney John Branca — an executive producer on the film — sat the creative team down and straight up told them what to write.
We’ve shown you quite a few behind-the-scenes looks at the movie being made over the months — catching Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long and more stars all dressed up and ready for the camera to roll.
Bottom line … this biopic’s already stirring the pot — and it’ll only get bigger when it hits theaters next year.
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