Michael Jackson biopic ‘spent $15m on reshoots to remove child abuse allegations’ from ending

The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic once promised an “unbiased” look at the King of Pop’s life – until a reported series of costly reshoots completely cut the child abuse allegations against the singer from the film.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael depicts the early portion of Jackson’s life, spanning his time with the Jackson 5 through his early solo career. Early press releases of the film trailed a “riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man”, a project that would show both his “undeniable creative genius” and “human side and personal struggles”.

Previous reports claimed that the movie would open mid-action in 1993. At the time, Jackson had been accused of child sexual abuse, with the opening shot showing the “Smooth Criminal” musician (played by his real-life nephew Jaafar) staring at his reflection in the mirror as the police arrive at the Neverland Ranch. Jackson denied all the claims made against him in his lifetime.

But according to a new report by Variety, this scene was cut from the final version, along with the third act of Michael where the impact of the scandal on Jackson’s life was meant to be reported.

Sources with knowledge of the production told the publication that all references to the allegations of child molestation against Jackson were scrapped. The movie’s release was delayed while the filmmakers came up with a new ending, with 22 days of additional shoots taking place last summer. The film instead ends with Jackson at the height of his fame during the Bad tour, the report claims.

Variety’s sources estimate that this will have added between between $10 million (£7.4 million) and $15 million (£11.7 million) to the film’s costs, with the project initially being greenlit for $155 million (£115 million).

The Independent has contacted Universal Pictures for comment.

According to the publication, this change to the film’s narrative reportedly occurred after attorneys for the Jackson estate located a clause in a settlement with Jordan Chandler, one of Jackson’s accusers in 1993, that said he could not be depicted or mentioned in any film. The allegations by Chandler, who was 13 at the time he met Jackson, led to the Los Angeles Police Department’s criminal investigation into the king of pop. They found no physical evidence against Jackson, but the Chandler family filed a lawsuit against Jackson later that year.

A financial settlement was reached in early 1994, which Jackson and his lawyers clarified was not an admission of guilt, and the investigation closed later this year after the Chandlers refused to cooperate.

The Jackson family played a prominent role in the making of the film that went back further than the “Thriller” singer’s nephew portraying him on screen.

His attorney John Branca is a producer on the film, with him and estate archivist Karen Langford being consulted on production decisions. His son Prince is an executive producer and reportedly was on set every day.

Michael features an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Laura Harrier and Miles Teller, and is scheduled for release on 24 April.

Source: The Independent 
--Agencies