Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael - Photo: Lionsgate
According to Variety , as Michael Jackson 's sequel nears filming, actor Jaafar Jackson revealed that the film will actually address the criticisms and allegations of child abuse that Michael Jackson faced in the 1990s.
The two sides of Michael Jackson
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, said he didn't have much say in how the script was written.
However, in an interview with GQ Middle East , he expressed hope that the sequel would offer a deeper insight into Michael Jackson's perspective.
"That's someone else's story. It's someone else's perspective on things, and it's primarily driven by a specific purpose."
"That's really the issue our family has faced – Michael Jackson hasn't had the chance to have his voice heard. I think that's very, very important, especially in the final years of his life," said Jaafar Jackson.
The first part of Michael set a record as the highest-grossing biographical film of all time - Photo: Lionsgate
The biographical film has been a huge hit at the box office this summer , grossing over $1 billion worldwide. However, the film only covers the first half of the music icon's career.
The film concludes with the release of the album Bad in 1987, before Michael Jackson faced his first charges in 1993.
Director Antoine Fuqua confirmed that the film initially included scenes addressing the allegations against Michael Jackson.
According to Jaafar Jackson, dividing the story into two parts gives the audience a chance to gain a deeper understanding of Michael Jackson and the circumstances he experienced.
The film Michael helped improve Lionsgate's quarterly business results as the studio narrowed its losses to $29 million - Photo: Lionsgate
Michael's Trailer
"The first film focuses on Michael Jackson from his early days. Through it, you understand what he was like before he achieved all his success and became the icon everyone is familiar with."
You understand Michael Jackson first and foremost as a human being, because ultimately, that was the same person he was in the 1990s until his death. He never lost that innocence, nor that feeling of always wanting to find the good in others.
No matter what he went through, how people treated him, or what people said about him, Michael Jackson never stopped treating others with kindness.
Michael Jackson never stopped believing in and seeking the good in people… Even though his heart was broken, it didn’t change… I hope this will be clearly felt in the second musical biography," said Jaafar Jackson.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson confirmed in early August that the studio is aiming to begin production on the Michael sequel later this year or early next year, according to Deadline .