Miles Teller: Michael Jackson ‘Deserves’ A Biopic ‘Regardless’ Of Public Opinion
Miles Teller thinks the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic is well-deserved, despite the fact that controversies may have soured the public opinion of the “King of Pop.” Speaking to Variety over the weekend following the Oscars, the Whiplash star shared his excitement about the biopic, which he is co-starring in. In Michael, the 37-year-old actor is set to portray John Branca, Jackson’s former manager, current co-executor of the star’s estate, and producer of the film.
Teller said before accepting the role, he took into account the allegations of child sex abuse levied against Jackson. He continued on, noting, “You only get so many opportunities in this business to make films.” The award-winning actor added that he thinks the film will “blow people away.”
To prepare for the role, the Top Gun: Maverick star said he tries to “inundate yourself with as much information as you can.” He revealed that he’s met Branca, 73, adding, “I’ve gotten to hang out with him a little bit.”
(Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson ‘Deserves’ A Movie ‘Regardless’ Of Opinions
Directly addressing the public opinion of MJ, Teller said, “Regardless of what you know or what your opinion may be, Michael is one of the greatest to ever do it, if not the greatest. He deserves a movie, and I’m excited to be a part of it.” In 2003, a Santa Barbara County district attorney charged Jackson with several counts of child molesting and serving alcohol to minors. But after a 14-week trial in 2005, he was acquitted by a jury.
Large Ensemble Cast
He also expressed his excitement about being part of the large ensemble cast. “I just like being a part of the team if you come from theater,” Teller said of the multiple actors portraying the same characters throughout the years. The Pennsylvania native was president of his high school’s drama club. After he graduated, he attended the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, studying method acting and screen acting.
The “Thriller” singer’s 27-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson is portraying the Grammy winner, while Juliano Krue Valdi will portray a young Jackson. Colman Domingo will star as the singer’s father and former manager, Joe Jackson, with Nia Long starring as the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson. Jamal R. Henderson will portray Jermaine Jackson. Tre Horton will play Marlon Jackson. Ryhan Hill was cast as Tito Jackson, while Joseph David-Jones was cast as Jackie Jackson.
(Photo by Frank Barratt/Getty Images)
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” the film’s official synopsis reads. “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.”
With a roughly $155 million budget, Michael would need to be one of the highest grossing musical biopics of all time to earn a profit in theaters, Variety reports. The biopic’s director, Antoine Fuqua, producer Graham King, and screenwriter John Logan address Jackson’s grooming allegations in their film. But MJ has always denied them, along with his family and estate after his death in 2009.
The film is set to be released worldwide on April 18, 2025.
