Fuqua Speaks of Michael Jackson’s Influence In His Career & The Biopic’s Goal

Antoine Fuqua, the director of ‘Michael’, the biopic about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, spoke recently about the superstar’s influence on his career.

Fuqua said Michael’s refusal to be boxed into the ‘black artiste only’ category and his successful transition from musician to producing mini film music videos had a significant impact on the way he approached his career.

“To be a black man in this country and see people who look like me able to achieve international fame meant that there was no ceiling. If they can do it, someone like me can do it. As a director, I have that same value of not being put in a box. When I used to do videos, I didn’t get the million-dollar budget. I got a $50,000 budget. Michael was the first one I saw really make an impact and cross over the way that he did. Now, I am not Michael. I can’t do Michael. But in my own field, it gave me a lot of inspiration.”

Addressing the biopic’s plotline, Fuqua admitted that although Michael had an “epic life,” it was necessary to get the backstory, and “go on a bit of a journey where he is struggling with his love for his family, and his love for his music”.

“Michael’s (dance) moves are a conversation that he is having with the audience. There is a language, there’s a connection that is happening. He made music to transcend colour and race. That is what makes him so special. That’s what the magic was.

“And this is a rare opportunity to be making a film with people who really love Michael. My dream is for people to walk out feeling like they really understand Michael a bit more,” concluded Fuqua.

‘Michael’ is set to release in cinemas on April 24, 2026.