United News of Bangladesh

Fans of Michael Jackson will have to wait longer for the highly anticipated biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon’s nephew. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer revealed during the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call that the film is expected to be delayed beyond the 2025 fiscal year, reports Variety. Feltheimer said, “I would note that it is likely we will move ‘Michael’ out of the fiscal year which will impact fiscal ’26 financial results but will bolster an already strong fiscal ’27 slate.” Lionsgate’s fiscal year ends on March 31, 2026, suggesting the film will likely be released sometime after April 1, 2026. Variety reported last month that the film could be split into two parts, further contributing to the delay from its original release date of October 3 this year. Avengers’ Delayed: Marvel pushes Doomsday, Secret Wars to December 2026 and 2027 “Michael” wrapped principal photography in May last year, but the script by John Logan is currently being revised ahead of planned reshoots. Despite being prominently featured in last year’s Lionsgate CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year’s event. The biopic, which carries a budget of approximately $155 million, features a star-studded cast. Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray Jackson’s parents Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca. Larenz Tate appears as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.

Michael Jackson's 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the planned biopic “Michael” to be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Lionsgate announced Jackson's casting Monday for the film being produced by Oscar-winning “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King. Jackson is the second-youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother. He’s put out music of his own; in 2019, he released his debut single, “Got Me Singing.” “Michael” will be Jackson's acting debut. Read more: Michael Jackson: The story of the troubled star's final day, 10 years on “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” said King in a statement. “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role." On Instagram, Fuqua shared a black-and-white photograph of Jackson in character. Fuqua added in a statement that Jackson “has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.” On Twitter, Jackson said he's “humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life.” “Michael" will be an authorized portrait of the pop star, who died in 2009. The film, scripted by “Gladiator" and “The Aviator” screenwriter John Logan, is being produced with the cooperation of the singer's estate. Read more: Michael Jackson family condemns new documentary on accusers “Jaafar embodies my son," Katherine Jackson said in a statement. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.” “Michael” is to begin shooting this year.

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in California has found a new owner in billionaire businessman Ron Burkle.

Dhaka, Jun 25 (UNB) - News of a medical emergency involving Michael Jackson started filtering through at around 22:00 BST on Thursday 25 June 2009, reports the BBC.