Choreographer: 'Thriller' Dance Moves Not MJ's Creation

Choreographer Vincent Paterson has stated that Michael Peters, not Michael Jackson, was the true creator of the iconic dance sequences in the 1983 hit "Thriller." Paterson claims the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic inaccurately portrays the creative process by leaving out Peters' pivotal role. Paterson, who collaborated with Jackson for two decades, worked alongside Peters and director John Landis on the groundbreaking music video.

Paterson expressed deep concern that the biopic might erase Michael Peters from history, potentially leaving younger audiences unaware of his contribution. He believes acknowledging Peters' work would enrich the narrative by highlighting Jackson's capacity for collaboration and learning. Jackson dedicated himself to perfecting the choreography after understanding Peters' vision, particularly aiming for a frightening zombie-like performance.

Furthermore, Paterson disclosed that "Thriller" was not originally planned for a Halloween release. The concept stemmed from Jackson's admiration for horror films and director John Landis. Paterson noted that Jackson, a Jehovah's Witness, did not observe Halloween, indicating the video's theme was driven by cinematic interest rather than seasonal timing.