'Michael' Movie Director Talks Reshoots And Controversies: Q&A

Key Points:

• Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" opened to $97 million in the U.S. and $217.4 million worldwide, marking the best opening of his career despite costly $50 million reshoots due to legal issues with Jackson's estate.
• Fuqua aimed to humanize Michael Jackson by focusing on his eccentricities, insecurities, and the magic of his music, rather than the controversies, setting the stage for a potential sequel to address accusations.
• The film's production faced major challenges, including last-minute reshoots after the estate objected to dramatizing accuser Jordan Chandler, raising the net production cost to $200 million and causing scheduling conflicts for Fuqua.
• Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, was cast as the lead after impressing Fuqua with his resemblance, dance skills, and ability to embody Michael's persona during auditions and rehearsals.
• Fuqua expressed interest in directing a sequel that would explore the accusations against Michael Jackson but noted scheduling would determine his involvement; no discussions with Janet Jackson about her own biopic were reported.