Antoine Fuqua‘s Michael Jackson biopic deviates from the director’s usual modus operandi of actioners. But with the cast he’s accrued for “Michael,” the upcoming film could be a sleeper hit. Now Deadline reports that Miles Teller is the latest to join the movie’s cast, playing an attorney of the titular King Of Pop.
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Who Teller plays exactly isn’t known yet, but the actor joins Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Jaafar Jackson in the film’s cast. Newcomer Juliano Krue Valdi will also play a young Michael Jackson. Jaafar, Michael’s nephew, will play the film’s title role, while Domingo plays Jackson patriarch Joe Jackson and Long his wife, Katherine. Teller will play an attorney of Michael’s as the icon stands trial for accusations of pedophilia and creditor claims. That means Teller could potentially play the late Howard Weitzman, Mike Geragos, or Thomas Mesereau, who all defended Jackson in his various court cases.
John Logan pens the script for “Michael,” which will cover Jackson’s trials as well as his unique brand of genius. Logan has been nomimated for thee Oscars for previous screenplays he’s written: “Gladiator,” “The Aviator,” and “Hugo.” “Michael” is his first script since 2022’s “They/Them.” John Branca and John McClain co-produce the film. Lionsgate currently has Fuqua’s film set for an April 18, 2025 theatrical release.
Along with “Michael,” Teller has the Apple TV+ actioner “The Gorge” with Anya Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver on the way. He also serves as executive producer on that project. Teller also does voice acting for the animated film “The Ark And The Aardvark,” in production now.
“Michael” heads into production soon, so stay tuned for more casting news for Fuqua’s latest.