Fuqua & King: $25M+ Payouts Amid Biopic Drama

Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King secured considerable additional payments from the Michael Jackson estate. King, initially slated to receive $6 million for producing the "Michael" biopic, reportedly garnered over $10 million more. Fuqua, who directed the film, was initially paid $10 million and subsequently received over $15 million in additional compensation.

These substantial top-ups were reportedly granted as changes to the film, including the elimination of its third act due to looming legal threats from former accusers, could have impacted box office performance. However, the biopic has achieved a successful launch, setting a new record with a $90 million opening weekend.

The film has faced criticism for omitting child abuse allegations against Jackson. While Jackson was acquitted of 10 charges in 2005, the "Leaving Neverland" documentary in 2019 reignited allegations. Fuqua confirmed initial plans to address Jackson's 2003 arrest, but a settlement agreement altered the film's direction, shifting focus from a potential defense to an intimate portrait of Jackson's making from the 1960s to 1988, as explained by stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long.