Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch has once again become a focal point, this time as a major filming location for an upcoming biopic about the legendary pop icon. The property, located north of Santa Ynez, California, saw around 300 people descend upon it in April for the shoot, according to film permit activity reviewed by SF Gate.
The film, titled “Michael,” is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role. The biopic is slated for release in April 2025. The production team received approval for various activities, including dialogue scenes, a petting zoo, stunts, and the use of helicopters.
Neverland Ranch, a sprawling 12,000-square-foot mansion sitting on approximately 2,700 acres, has been synonymous with both Jackson’s extravagant lifestyle and the controversies that surrounded him. The property features a 50-seat movie theater, a basketball court, and several guesthouses.
Jackson, who passed away at the age of 50 in 2009 due to an acute drug overdose, faced numerous allegations during his lifetime. He was charged with 14 counts, including seven counts of child molestation and two counts of providing alcohol to a minor. However, he was acquitted of all charges in June 2005 and subsequently stopped visiting Neverland.
In 2020, billionaire Ron Burkle, co-founder of investment firm Yucaipa Companies and a former associate of Jackson, purchased the property for $22 million. This was a significant drop from its initial market price of $100 million in 2015.
Despite its troubled past, Neverland Ranch has been meticulously restored for the biopic. Aerial photos reveal that the fairground rides, tents, and children’s trains that the property was known for have been carefully rebuilt. This includes a Ferris wheel and a replica of Jackson’s carousel, as well as his enormous red and white circus tent and the red train that carried visitors around the park.
Burkle, who met Jackson at an event for underprivileged children in the mid-2000s, has invested in revamping the estate. He aimed to restore its former glory by repairing the train station, fixing the roads, and reintroducing the petting zoo. Although Jackson’s famous pet monkey, Bubbles, has lived at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Florida since 2005, other animals have been brought back to the property.
The biopic aims to provide a comprehensive look at Jackson’s life, both on and off the stage. During a recent Lionsgate presentation, fans were given a sneak peek of what to expect. The preview featured Jackson performing some of his greatest hits, including “Man in the Mirror” and “Thriller.” The film will reportedly include over 30 of Jackson’s songs, starting with the Jackson 5’s classic rendition of “ABC” on American Bandstand.
Nia Long, who portrays Jackson’s mother Katherine, is seen in the trailer telling her gifted child that he has a “very special light” and to “make that light shine onto the world.” She also warns him that being different will make life harder, but emphasizes that he was never like anyone else.
Producer Graham King expressed his excitement about the project, stating that it is a story worthy of a cinematic presentation. He mentioned that the filmmakers aimed to find the untold version of Jackson’s story, highlighting both his talent and the complexities of his life.
The film will not shy away from the controversies that plagued Jackson. It will address the multiple allegations of child sexual abuse that he faced, providing a balanced view of his life. King also hinted that the biopic would be a long feature film, covering Jackson’s childhood in Gary, Indiana, and his life under the constant scrutiny of the public eye.
As filming continues, the restored Neverland Ranch serves as a poignant backdrop for the biopic. The property, once a symbol of Jackson’s fantasy world, is now being used to tell the story of one of the most enigmatic and talented artists of all time.
