Michael Jackson Biopic Slammed by Leaving Neverland Director

0:00On April 29, Michael Jackson's new biopic is smashing box office records, pulling in $219 million worldwide, it's opening. Weekend, with almost $100 million from North America alone. But Dan Reed, the director of the Leaving Neverland documentary, is not impressed. He slammed Jafar Jackson's portrayal of his famous uncle, calling the adult version, Wooden, and Lifeless. Reed told Variety he bought the kid Michael part at first, but the nephews dancing couldn't save a week's script. He said the film turns Jackson into a plastic doll, belting out jukebox hits, with zero depth on what drove the man. Worse, it paints his bonds with kids as quirky innocence, dodging the darker allegations Reed highlighted in his film. Reed accused the Jackson family in a state of whitewashing child abuse claims to protect the legacy. He pointed out undisputed facts like Jackson's sharing beds with young boys and locking doors, saying no real counter story explains that away. The biopic ends in 1988, years before the first big accusations hit.

1:04Biopic director Antoine Fuca fired back at doubters, saying some folks do nasty things for cash. Reed laughed that off, calling out Fuqua for pushing a false narrative on a guy he sees as a predator. Actor Coleman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, defended it as a tight focus on Michael's rise, hinting a sequel might tackle later drama. Meanwhile, Paris Jackson distanced herself, calling out inaccuracies and lies in the story. As the debate rages between fans, family, and critics, this blockbuster keeps the King of Pops complicated world in the spotlight. That's your update from entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by AI.