Michael Jackson Biopic Reshoots Triggered Millions in Extra Payments for Fuqua and King

Massive Payouts Followed Reshoots to Address Legal Threats

Antoine Fuqua and Graham King reportedly received substantial additional payments from the Michael Jackson estate after the Michael biopic underwent extensive reshoots to address legal threats from former accusers of the late pop icon.

Producer Graham King’s Pay Jumped from $6M to Over $16M

Graham King, the producer of the high-budget biopic, was initially slated to earn $6 million. However, Bloomberg reports that after the film’s third act was scrapped amid looming legal threats, King received an additional payment exceeding $10 million, bringing his total compensation to over $16 million.

Director Antoine Fuqua’s Earnings Swelled to $25M+

Fuqua, who directed Michael throughout its prolonged and complex production, was initially paid $10 million. Following the reshoots, he secured an additional $15 million, according to Bloomberg, pushing his total earnings to over $25 million.

The outlet notes that the extra payments were structured to offset potential box office losses due to the film’s altered content. Despite the changes, Michael achieved strong box office performance, setting a new record for a biopic opening weekend with a $90 million debut.

Film Avoids Abuse Allegations, Faces Backlash

Representatives for Lionsgate did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment regarding the payments or the film’s content.

The biopic has drawn criticism for sidestepping the child abuse allegations Jackson faced during his lifetime. Jackson was acquitted of all 10 charges in 2005 related to the alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old. However, the controversy resurfaced in 2019 with the documentary Leaving Neverland, which presented new allegations from two alleged victims.

Director’s Original Vision Included Jackson’s Legal Struggles

Fuqua had initially planned to address Jackson’s 2003 arrest in the film. In an interview with The New Yorker, he revealed plans to depict Jackson being "stripped naked, treated like an animal, a monster." However, an agreement in Jackson’s settlement with the Chandler family—who accused the singer of sexually abusing their 13-year-old son—derailed this approach.

Cast Explains Omission of Abuse Allegations

Colman Domingo and Nia Long, who portray Jackson’s parents in the film, addressed the omission of abuse allegations during an appearance on Today.

"The film takes place from the ’60s to 1988. It does not go into the first allegations in 2005. So, basically, we center it on the makings of Michael. It’s an intimate portrait of who Michael is … through his eyes."

The film focuses on Jackson’s early life and career, avoiding later controversies surrounding the allegations.