EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate‘s Antoine Fuqua directed Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is moving out of next year’s Easter frame of April 18-20 and to Oct. 3, 2025. Universal is handling the overseas release of the movie which stars the King of Pop’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role.
In addition, Lionsgate has dated the Aziz Ansari comedy, Good Fortune, for Oct. 17. The pic stars Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. In the movie, a well meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a wealthy capitalist (Rogen). Lionsgate received great laughs for the pic’s first footage at last spring’s CinemaCon.
The Graham King produced Michael is now positioned in the awards corridor next year. Previously, King’s Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, opened on Nov. 2, 2018 to $51M stateside and went on to gross $216.4M stateside and $903.6M worldwide plus four Oscar wins.
The John Logan scripted biopic takes a look at the complicated legendary recording artist from his human side to the his public and private struggles. John Branca and John McClain produce. Nia Long, Laura Harrier, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo also star. Michael will open one week before Disney’s Jared Leto Tron: Ares tentpole.
Michael will face off on the marquee on its new date against Miramax/Paramount’s Channing Tatum true crime movie, Roofman.
Good Fortune on Oct. 17 next year faces off against Universal/Blumhouse’s Black Phone 2. Good Fortune was written, directed and produced by Ansari. Also producing are Anthony Katagas and Alan Yang. Pic also stars. Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh. EPs are Aniz Adam Ansari, Jonathan McCoy, Christopher Woodrow and Connor DiGregorio.