As the release of the biopic “Michael” approaches, nearly twenty years after the death of the “King of Pop”, the empire he embodies remains thriving despite ongoing accusations of pedocriminality that continue to tarnish his legacy.
According to Variety magazine, the studio Lionsgate is aiming for $700 million in revenue for the film, with the world premiere taking place in Berlin on Friday. This amount would place “Michael” far ahead of all other similar productions, except for “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($910 million).
The musical “MJ,” created in 2022 on Broadway and subsequently adapted in several countries, has shown that Michael Jackson still sells like never before, even since his downfall in 2009 or the end of his last tour in 1997. In Las Vegas, the show “Michael Jackson ONE” by Cirque du Soleil has been running continuously since 2013.
Last year, for the 13th time in 16 years since his passing, the “King of Pop” topped the list of deceased celebrities with the highest earnings. Vincent Amen, a former collaborator of the singer from 2002 to 2004, believes that the film will further expand the commercial spectrum of the “MJ” brand.
Kimberly Krautter from the PR company K-Factor Strategies suggests that the Michael Jackson business is more profitable today without the artist’s life problems and controversies. His communication missteps over the years have made it challenging to grow his business.
Despite being acquitted in 2005 in a criminal trial for sexual assault on a minor, Michael Jackson never managed to completely restore his image during his lifetime. Several civil suits have been filed by alleged victims, but the artist has never been convicted either criminally or civilly.
Mark Anthony Neal, a professor at Duke University, hopes for a more human portrayal of Michael Jackson in the film, showing successes, flaws, and failures. Kimberly Krauter believes that MJ’s image has been relatively preserved because he passed away nearly ten years before the MeToo movement emerged.
In conclusion, while attempts have been made to destroy his reputation, fans like Mychael Darklighter remain convinced that Michael Jackson did nothing wrong.
