On Monday, Feb. 2, Lionsgate released the long-awaited trailer for “Michael,” which follows the story of Michael Jackson’s life and career from the Jackson Five to global stardom.
The film releases in theaters on April 24, and according to Variety, Jafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) is cast as the lead role of Michael Jackson.
The film is being directed by Antoine Fuqua, a celebrated director who is known for directing “Training Day” and “The Equalizer.” Alongside Fuqua is screenwriter John Logan, who is known for films such as “Gladiator” and “Rango.”
Also joining the cast of “Michael,” according to Variety, includes Coleman Domingo playing the father of Michael Jackson, Joe Jackson, Nia Long playing the mother, Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller playing the entertainment lawyer, and John Branca, who was very involved in Michael Jackson’s life.
Rancho Cucamonga High School students have voiced their opinions about the casting of Jackson’s life story and career.
Students such as senior Evan Cervantez talked about how he thinks it’s cool that his nephew is playing him, but he does not think he looks like Jackson.
“I don’t know, I mean it’s cool that they have someone in the family portraying him, but to me he doesn’t really look like him, ” said Cervantez.
Cervantes questioned if they will do the story right and how they will capture incidents like the Coca-Cola Accident.
“I hope they do all the right stuff and include all events like that the Coca Cola accident. It would also be interesting to see how they are also going to do the prosthetics because he had vitiligo I heard,” said Cervantez.
With “Michael,” awaiting its theatrical debut, some still do not know if they want to see the movie.
Senior Bredon Hall shared his perspective on the upcoming film.
“I will check the movie out, maybe. I just don’t have enough connection because I don’t really listen to his music like that, but still, I might see the movie because he had a pretty interesting life,” said Hall.
Whether the film meets people’s expectations or not, “Michael” has fans eager to see how the director and the cast will tell the story of the “King of Pop.”
