HeyMercedesJax

Welcome back to The Road to Michael! Last week, we celebrated the magic of Jaafar Jackson’s casting. This week, we turn our attention to the man steering the ship: director Antoine Fuqua.

Initially, some might wonder why a director celebrated for intense action dramas like Training Day and The Equalizer trilogy was chosen for a musical biopic. The answer, however, provides a fascinating look at Fuqua’s own history in the industry and the power of creative destiny.

The Music Video Mastermind

Before he became a director of blockbuster cinema, Antoine Fuqua cut his teeth in the world of music videos (including Prince’s “The Most Beautiful Girl In the World”!!). This is a crucial detail, as Fuqua himself confirmed:

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am.”

And the biggest influence on his visual storytelling? Michael Jackson. Fuqua has stated he was inspired to make music videos by watching Michael’s groundbreaking work, citing him as the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. This means the man directing Michael has always seen Jackson’s music through a cinematic lens.

We can confidently expect the movie to treat Michael’s iconic videos—from the theatrical spectacle of “Thriller” to the complex choreography of “Bad”—not just as clips, but as the powerful, short films they truly are.

Spectacle and Humanity: The Epic Scale

Fuqua’s track record proves he understands how to deliver intense, large-scale drama. In a statement about his vision, he confirmed the film will embrace the immense scope of Michael’s career:

The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale—from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances.

This commitment to “epic, cinematic scale” is essential for any project involving the King of Pop. Fuqua’s visual expertise means we are guaranteed breathtaking recreations of the legendary stadium concerts and the meticulous rehearsal process Michael was famous for, giving audiences a true front-row seat to the magic.

Trailer from his classic Training Day

Telling the Whole Story with Integrity

Fuqua has been open about the reverence he feels for the subject. He views Michael not just as a flawless icon, but as a complex and brilliant human being. His stated goal is to “tell the facts as we know it, about the artist, about the man, about the human being.”

By focusing on the facts of Michael’s journey, from the child star of the Jackson 5 to the global force of the Thriller and Bad eras, Fuqua’s film is set to deliver an honest portrayal that never loses sight of the creative genius that powered his life. We can look forward to a biopic that is as compelling in its dramatic moments as it is dazzling in its musical sequences.

---

What’s Next on The Road to Michael

The scale of this film requires a world-class supporting cast! Join us next week as we dive into the incredible actors bringing Michael’s family to life with Week 3: Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson: Analyzing the Challenging and Crucial Role.

What is your favorite Michael Jackson short film, and how excited are you to see Fuqua recreate that visual masterpiece? Let me know in the comments!

I personally don’t have a favorite short film, but “In The Closet” is definitely up there!!!