"That will be a dream."
Sandeep Reddy Vanga is one of Indian cinema’s most successful filmmakers.
He has directed blockbusters such as Arjun Reddy (2017), Kabir Singh (2019), and Animal (2023).
Meanwhile, Michael Jackson remains one of the world’s most iconic musicians.
Jackson led almost his entire life onstage, becoming a part of The Jackson Five when he was aged eight.
Through a career which spanned over four decades, Jackson sold millions of records, performed globally several times, and was proclaimed ‘The King of Pop’.
The star also led a life full of controversy, ranging from child sexual abuse allegations to the changes in his physical appearance.
A much-awaited biopic about Michael Jackson is currently in the works.
However, in September 2024, Sandeep Reddy Vanga expressed a desire to direct such a film himself.
Sandeep had said: “I would like to direct the biopic of Michael Jackson. But the question is, who will play him?
“Who will be the actor? But if you get an actor, you can pitch it to Hollywood, and you can make it in English.
“[Michael Jackson] led a very interesting life, right from his childhood to his schooling and how he changed his skin colour and all.
“It’s a great journey and a great story. But who would be the right actor? That’s the question.
“That will be a dream, and everybody will buy a ticket.
“Whoever directs it, I would buy the tickets and watch it because I want to know.”
Jackson’s biopic, which is being made, is titled Michael. It stars the pop star’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the titular singer.
It is being directed by Antoine Fuqua and is written by John Logan.
Originally scheduled to be released in April 2025, the film has recently been postponed to 2026.
Michael is presented by Lionsgate Films. In a statement, CEO Jon Feltheimer said:
“In regard to our Michael Jackson biopic, we’re excited about the three and a half hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua.
“We will be announcing a definitive release strategy and timing in the next few weeks.”
“I would note that it is likely we will move Michael out of the fiscal year, which will impact fiscal ’26 financial results but will bolster an already strong fiscal ’27 slate.”
Meanwhile, on the work front, Sandeep is currently working on Spirit.
It was rumoured that Deepika Padukone had exited the project due to “unprofessional behaviour”.
The film also stars Prabhas in the lead.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga also has the sequel to Animal in the pipeline.
The film is titled Animal Park and is expected to go on the floors in 2027.
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