Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed has spoken out against the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael, saying that the script for the film is disingenuous.
Speaking to Variety recently, Reed — who directed the 2019 documentary that focused on two men’s allegations of sexual abuse against Michael — calls the draft of the script he read “startlingly disingenuous” and almost purposely made to avoid discussing any of Jackson’s allegations.
“Jackson is only ever seen caring for children with childhood cancer, or dancing with a little girl in a wheelchair, or tucking up multiple little boys, mostly his nephews, at sleepovers,” said Reed. “It feels like the creators of the movie have been stuck in a room with John Branca and just told what to write.”
Meanwhile, producer Graham King said in a separate statement that the aim for the film is to be “unbiased,” despite the extremely complicated life the pop megastar led.
“Michael’s life was complicated,” said King. “As a filmmaker, I look to humanize but not sanitize and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it. Michael clearly remains an impactful, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.”
Who else is involved in Michael?
Michael, which is currently in production, also stars Juliano Krue Valdi, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. The script comes from John Logan, and will be directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Jayden Harville will play younger Jermaine, while the older version will be played by Jamal R. Henderson. Jaylen Lyndon Hunter will assume the role of younger Marlon, while Tre Horton will portray older Marlon. Younger Tito is being played by Judah Edwards with the elder version played by Rhyan Hill, and finally, younger Jackie will be portrayed by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and by Joseph David-Jones in his later years.
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” reads Michael‘s description. “The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
