The latest big-budget biopic is “Michael,” which tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life up to the late 1980s. Now, ahead of the movie, in which the pop icon’s nephew, Jaafar, portrays him, his sister, LaToya Jackson, is defending the family after reports of strife between Janet Jackson and their brother, Jermaine.
Regarding “Michael,” the movie officially debuts in movie theaters on April 24. However, there are advanced screenings in the days leading up to it.
La Toya Jackson Says Her Family Is Fine Ahead of ‘Michael’
GettyIn the weeks leading up to the release of Lionsgate’s “Michael,” reports surfaced of disagreements within the family over the movie. While speaking with Entertainment Tonight on April 20 at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Jackson stated there was no validity to the claims.
Specifically, the interviewer mentioned the rumor of “a problem between Jermaine and Janet.” According to the 69-year-old, “There was absolutely no problem whatsoever, and please believe it.” After that, the host asked Jackson why the movie doesn’t show more of the siblings and if the ones not featured would appear in the second part.
She responded, “I’m not sure. That’s a question for the producers and the filmmaker, and the studio, of course.” Jackson then said, “I hope so” about seeing more of the siblings in the rumored second part of “Michael.”
Elsewhere in the interview, she discussed rumors of a second part to the movie. Jackson stated, “Well, first of all, that’s a question for the studio. We’re not absolutely 100% – I hear yes, I hear no, maybe. So, let’s just wait and see what happens.”
She Also Discussed Janet Jackson Not Being Portrayed In The Movie
GettyIt was confirmed, leading up to the release of “Michael,” that the “Control” singer’s likeness would not be featured. Naturally, this also fueled rumors of strife between her and her brother. While at the premiere, Jackson discussed her sister not being featured in her brother’s story.
She told Variety, “I wish everybody was in the movie. She was asked, and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes.”
Who Is and Isn’t In ‘Michael
GettyAccording to Vulture, the beloved songstress isn’t the only Jackson family member who won’t be seen in “Michael.” One who doesn’t appear is Randy Jackson. Rebbie Jackson, the oldest sibling, isn’t portrayed either.
This means that in addition to La Toya and Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and Tito Jackson are featured. Of course, as the movie ends in 1988, “Michael” also doesn’t feature his children, Paris and Blanket. Per Vulture, the family members not featured were approached but declined.
Regarding the movie, “Michael” is expected to be a major box-office success despite early reviews. According to Variety, the biopic is on track to open with between $65 million and $70 million from 3,900 theaters in North America. However, it’s also worth noting that some tracking says it will open closer to $80 million due to a spike in early ticket sales.
Even on the lower end of projections, if the tracking holds, “Michael” will earn the biggest debut for a musical biopic. For comparison, 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton” is currently the biggest with $60 million in its opening weekend. The second is 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which brought in $51 million.
