The announcement of an upcoming biopic about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has certainly delighted his fans. What adds to the excitement is the progress made by the production team. According to sources they have finalized a significant portion of the cast. Here’s what we have gathered about the forthcoming Michael Jackson feature film.
Antoine Fuqua Steers the Ship
Set to hit theaters in April 2025, the “Michael Jackson Biopic” is under the direction of Antoine Fuqua, acclaimed for his work in movies such as “Training Day,” “The Equalizer,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Olympus Has Fallen,” and “Emancipation.” With Fuqua at the helm, expectations are high for a compelling production.
Jackson Biopic: Casting Brilliance
A focal point drawing attention from major media outlets is the cast, a crucial element in any film. Exceptional actors elevate a great script, and the recent announcements suggest a promising ensemble. As reported by Blexmedia, Coleman Domingo and Nia Long have secured roles as the patriarch and matriarch of the Jackson family, respectively. Current updates reveal the casting of the pivotal “Jackson 5,” adding further intrigue to the project.
Unveiling the Jackson 5: A Stellar Cast Takes on “Michael Jackson Biopic”
According to People, the casting process for the five brothers involved selecting ten talented individuals. Producer Graham King emphasized,
“The truly epic nature of this film required ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years. I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.”
The ensemble comprises a blend of both established and emerging talent. The names revealed include Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson portraying Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Hunter as Marlon, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill embodying Tito, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones portraying Jackie. Finally, assuming the role of the icon himself, Michael Jackson, are Juliano Krue Valdi and Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew.
Confidence in Casting
While some may harbor doubts about whether the selected cast can authentically embody their respective roles, producer King holds great confidence, particularly in Jaafar Jackson. King remarked on being astounded by Jackson’s innate ability to encapsulate the spirit and persona of Michael, asserting, “It was clear he is the only person to take on the role.” While the verdict ultimately rests with the audience, Jaafar undeniably bears a striking resemblance to Michael Jackson.
Defying Biopic Fatigue
Given the numerous biopics already made about Michael Jackson and his career, some might be inclined to dismiss this latest endeavor. However, it would be unjust not to give the film a chance. Considering the known factors, the project appears to be on track to delivering a compelling cinematic experience. For devoted fans, the opportunity to celebrate the cultural icon is always a welcome prospect.
If one thing hip hop celebrates is culture, and cinema has been a monumental piece of the culture. No two people have shaped Black culture in films like Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. While the likes of Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poiter paved the way, Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson came along to smooth the path. And for those much like Denzel’s son, John David, and others with like-minded pursuits, that is invaluable.
Cinephiles are in for a treat in the upcoming fall season as three legendary cultural icons, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and John David Washington, are set to grace the silver screen with three highly anticipated films. And with these three new features, one thing is undeniable. The fourth quarter of 2023 is shaping up to resemble the cinematic Super Bowl. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on the horizon.
Cultural Icon #1 Denzel Washington
When it comes to film, Denzel Washington is the man. Denzel Washington is undeniably a cinematic powerhouse. His career, spanning back to the early 1980s, showcases his exceptional acting prowess, making him the embodiment of a natural-born actor. So, with a filmography that boasts well over 60 titles, as listed by IMDB, it’s challenging to pinpoint a single work that encapsulates his brilliance. However, one standout gem in his repertoire that bears mention is “The Equalizer.”
While Washington first appeared as MaCall in 2014, moviegoers were far from seeing the last of him. And now he’s back. Washington will once again bring MaCall to the big screen in September in Equalizer 3, which is sure to be monumental. McCall has always been about his business and is known for his unwavering commitment to his unique brand of justice. However, some nasty business has called him out of his leisure in this segment. And he’s got some lessons to teach.
“McCall has relocated to Southern Italy to put his past behind him, but his plans take a sharp turn when he uncovers his newfound companions are under the sway of the Sicilian Mafia. What ensues is a gripping narrative.”
Denzel Washington’s return as McCall is eagerly anticipated, and his portrayal of the character’s dedication to justice is bound to deliver another thrilling cinematic experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Cultural Icon #2 Samuel Jackson
Jackson defies convention and epitomizes staying true to oneself while achieving great success. Jackson might not fit the stereotypical image of a picture-perfect movie star, but that’s precisely what sets him apart. What distinguishes Jackson is his unwavering authenticity. He knows exactly who he is and his purpose in the industry and excels at it. His ability to embody characters with a no-nonsense, devil-may-care, and no-holds-barred attitude is unparalleled.
With a career spanning since the 1980s and a vast portfolio of projects numbering in the hundreds, according to IMDB, Samuel L. Jackson has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Whether he’s Nick Fury in the Marvel Universe, John Shaft in the action genre, Mace Windu in “Star Wars,” Coach Carter in a sports drama, Augustus Gibbons in an action franchise like “xXx,” or Ptolemy Gray in a dramatic role, Jackson brings his characters to life with remarkable authenticity. That’s why any news of an upcoming project is fantastic news.
Fans of Samuel L. Jackson are in for an exciting treat as he returns to the screen in the upcoming feature “The Kill Room.” This promises to be a compelling and intense film, especially with the involvement of talented co-stars Uma Thurman and Joe Manganiello.
As Blexmedia highlights, the plot of “The Kill Room” revolves around these characters forming an unconventional alliance. They use an art gallery as a front to launder money, setting the stage for a complex and thrilling narrative. However, tension escalates as their activities become intertwined with a high-stakes plot to assassinate a Russian oligarch.
Cultural Icon #3 John David Washington
If there is one example of what a trailblazer can inspire, it is the career of John David Washington. John David Washington gets his acting prowess in earnest. While he is the son of Denzel, making him a torch bearer, he is self-made. His accomplishments are a testament to his own merits and dedication to his craft.
John David’s journey in acting began in the early 1990s with a role in “Malcolm X,” and he has steadily been making his mark ever since. His filmography includes a diverse range of projects that showcase his versatility, from “Love Beat Rhymes” to “Monster,” “BlacKkKlansman,” “Tenet,” “Beckett,” and “Amsterdam.” Each role highlights his commitment to delivering captivating performances across various genres. With two upcoming features on the horizon, John David Washington is signaling that he is just getting started in his career.
For fans of the younger Washington, “The Creator” is on the horizon. Washington plays the lead character of Joshua in this futuristic: action, adventure, drama. According to Blexmedia,
The Story of “The Creator” follows Joshua, a former special forces agent enlisted to track down and eliminate the elusive Creator, the enigmatic mastermind behind the advanced AI.
However, what he discovers in his quest is extremely disarming.
Highlighting the Best Parts
There is nothing quite like progress. And no three figures in Hollywood exemplify progress like Denzel Washington, Samuel Jackson, and John David. Seeing the accomplishments and works of such great men who are still pushing forward is extraordinary. Their success stories show that individuals from marginalized communities can succeed in the highly competitive entertainment world with talent, determination, and hard work. And it is with great hope that many more will rise in their shadow.
There was a time when Hip hop and Hollywood were seen as two separate lanes. The idea was preposterous when hip-hop/rap artists expressed a desire to cross over to Hollywood. Those who dared cross the lane were perceived to be inauthentic and mocked for their inability to choose one route and stick to it. The only movies that featured hip-hop and rap artists taken seriously were those constructed around the art form, such as Wild Style (1982) and Beat Street (1984). As the progression of our material world has proven, one never knows how great something can be until it’s done. And over time, artists have demonstrated that hip hop artist in Hollywood is hardly a joke. Talent is rarely linear. More often, genuine artists possess a multitude of skills.
Top Ten: From Hip-Hop to Hollywood Films
While many hip-hop artists have shown top-caliber skills in acting, others failed miserably, leading many to wonder why hip-hop/rap artists didn’t stay in their lane. However, this is life, and we must take the good with the bad. So here is a list of movies starring hip-hop/rap artists who nailed their performance to those that will forever live in infamy.
#10 Snoop/Method Man Soul Plane
The number ten spot for movies featuring a hip hop/rap artist goes to Soul Plane. Soul Plane was a film that premiered in 2004. The hour and 26-minute comedy about an airline owned and staffed by African Americans featured artists Snoop Dogg and Method Man. Other notable comedians in the industry rounded out the cast. One can argue Snoop played his role to perfection. The Dogg Father did what he did the best play himself. His smooth, laid-back demeanor as Captain Mack was his signature. Snoop has more than learned how to use his persona in Hollywood to his advantage. As Highsnobiety notes,
” Though Snoop has 163 acting credits, most of those appearances can be viewed as extensions of his brand. Often, he plays himself.”
Nevertheless, despite the hilarity, Soul Plane was not Oscar-worthy material, so it rests in the number ten spot.
# 9 Will Smith Wild Wild West
Undoubtedly, Will Smith has become recognized as one of the most versatile in the industry. Will has been a trailblazer in many instances. But for those who do and do not remember, one of Smith’s first serious roles was Six Degrees of Separation (1993). While it was one of the first instances that Will was able to exercise his acting chops on the silver screen, the most memorable of his earlier works was Wild Wild West. The 1999 film departed from his earlier drama and featured him in the lead role. Unfortunately, Wild Wild West was also one of his worst films to date and one he has too regretted. Smith told the Hollywood Reporter in a 2021 interview, “Wild Wild West is a thorn in my side.” Unfortunately, the bubblegum western came off as a farce. However, Smith lived it down and became one of the most prominent hip-hop artists turned actors. Good thing Smith’s entire career wasn’t predicated on this film.
#8 Big Boi & Andre 3000 Idlewild
The number eight spot goes to Idlewild, starring members of Outkast Big Boi and Andre 3000. Idlewild centered on small-town life in the deep south during the era of prohibition. But on a deeper level, the film explored the relationship between two friends traversing that terrain dealing with love, expectations, friends, and the come up from different perspectives. While a low-key movie compared to most, Idlewild allowed Big Boi and Andre to display the full range of their talents, proving that just as on stage, their flare and creativity were suited for more than the sound booth.
# 7 Full Cast Carmen Hip Hopera
Carmen Hip Hopera is one of the lesser known movies; however, it is one of the best revisioning of a classic film starring a predominantly hip-hop cast. Until Carmen Hip Hopera, few films boasted a primary hip-hop cast, let alone used the performer to recreate a classic movie for a wider audience. This film was a 2001 offering directed by Robert Townsend. Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Rah Digga, Wyclef Jean, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Shad Moss (Bow Wow), Beyonce, and Mekhi Phifer made up the cast. Impressively this group of talented performers was able to reshape the story of Carmen into a hip-hop work of art, displaying not only their acting talent but also their musical talent.
#6 Tupac Shakur – Juice
Juice takes the number six spot. This 1992 film is one of the best cultural films to be produced. Tupac Shakur, who played the role of Bishop, a no-nonsense dealer in the 1990s street of New York, proved that rappers could be serious actors. Tupac’s delivery was on point, and his poise was unmatchable. With this performance, it was undeniable that Tupac could effortlessly move through both worlds. Of relative importance was what the film did for the perception of hip-hop overall. As Independent notes,
“Juice was equally crucial for showing how uniquely enmeshed movie and rap stardom could become. “
#5 Kid n Play House Party
House party is hands down a hip-hop cult classic. Hip hop artist Kid n Play did their thing in the 1990 iconic comedy, making it one of the most memorable films. While neither Kid nor Play’s performances were Oscar-worthy, their performances were authentic. The chemistry was unforgettable, with Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson, and Robin Harris rounding out the cast. The culture loved it, accepting the film for what it was, an iconic moment in cinematic history celebrating hip-hop on the silver screen. And the acting wasn’t half-bad.
#4 Queen Latifah –Set it Off
Set it Off falls in the top five movies starring a hip-hop artist. Set it off premiered in 1996, and it was fire. Queen Latifah showed the world how it was done. Her performance, along with the performances of the other three leading ladies, was noteworthy. No one could doubt whether each poured their essence into the characters of Stony, Cleo, Frankie, and Tisean because It showed. These women were as authentic and touchable as any. In fact, it was difficult to tell the character apart from the actor. And if it hadn’t been obvious before now, it was plain that Queen had what it takes to make it big in Hollywood. As a testament to her talent, according to Highsnobiety,
“With almost one hundred acting credits and nearly fifty producing credits to her name, Queen Latifah is now a Hollywood titan.”
https://youtu.be/f_cbkxnbiqQ
# 3 Tupac Shakur Poetic Justice
While Tupac has been mentioned before, he again gains mention for his role in the cultural favorite, Poetic Justice. This 1993 John Singleton film wherein Tupac Shakur played the character of Lucky. This film, which premiered only a year after Juice, depicted Pac differently. In Poetic Justice, Tupac played the love interest of none other than Janet Jackson. While he remained rough around the edges, the character of Lucky depicted a man gentler in nature, a vast difference from Bishop. Poetic Justice was demonstrative of Pac’s range. If no one else had proved that rap artists could act, he did.
#2 Ice Cube –Friday
Friday is iconic. Ice Cube and Chris Tucker created a brand of magic on film that can’t be duplicated. This cultural favorite is arguably one of the most quoted films in hip-hop culture. While the film was pure comedy, Cube and Tucker hit every cue. Given what is known of Ice Cube, he is one of the few rap artists other than Tupac and Will Smith who have proven that some hip-hop artists could also dominate Hollywood.
#1 Ice Cube –Boyz N the Hood
The number one movie is none other than Singleton’s classic Boys N The Hood. This 1991 Drama cemented Ice Cube as a noteworthy actor. Cube took his place amongst some of the best in the business Angela Basset, Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, and Cuba Gooding Jr. He demonstrated he was up to the task. And now, according to Highsnobiety, “Ice Cube has over 60 acting credits to his name spanning almost thirty years.” With that in mind, it is more than sure Boyz n The Hood proved that if no other rapper in the business could carry a role, Ice Cube could.
Hip Hop/ Rap Artist in Hollywood Are No Joke
Many more movies spotlight hip hop/rap artists, highlighting their talents beyond the mic. Although this list is nowhere near exhaustive, it is more than enough to confirm that hip-hop artists in Hollywood are legit, even in films that fall lower on the tier. But, of course, proper judgment can only be predicated on individual merit alone.
