Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Restored for Upcoming Biopic Filming

Michael Jackson's iconic Neverland Ranch theme park has been brought back to life as filming begins on a new biopic about the late singer's life. The 2,700-acre property near Santa Barbara, California, which was Jackson's home and private amusement park from 1988 to 2005, has been carefully reconstructed for the film, including updating old rides and adding new attractions like a Ferris wheel, circus tent, and merry-go-round.

Aerial shots of the ranch show a vibrant and lively scene, with colorful tents and the iconic red train once again crossing the grounds. Extras have been spotted playing roles like balloon sellers, ride operators, and food stall vendors as filming gets underway. The biopic, titled Michael, will star Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, portraying his famous uncle.

Why this matters: The restoration of Neverland Ranch for the Michael Jackson biopic is significant not only for fans eagerly awaiting the film, but also for the preservation of the pop icon's legacy. The ranch played a central role in Jackson's life and career, serving as a symbol of his success and his unique vision.

Neverland Ranch has a complicated history, as Jackson stopped living there in 2003 after the property was searched by authorities in connection with child molestation allegations against the singer. Jackson was acquitted of those charges in 2005. After his death in 2009, the ranch fell into disrepair but was purchased in 2020 by billionaire businessman Ron Burkle for $22 million.

The $120 million biopic, which will feature over 30 of Jackson's classic songs, is being produced by the Jackson estate and directed by Antoine Fuqua from a script by John Logan. The film is set to be one of the biggest releases of 2025, with a planned premiere in April of that year. Filming is currently about halfway complete, having faced delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

In addition to Jaafar Jackson, the Michael biopic will feature a star-studded cast including Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. The film will follow Michael Jackson's life from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop and his untimely death in 2009 at age 50. While the biopic has the support of the Jackson estate, some critics have raised concerns about how it will

Key Takeaways

• Neverland Ranch restored for Michael Jackson biopic filming
• Biopic titled "Michael" stars Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson
• $120M biopic features over 30 of Jackson's classic songs
• Neverland Ranch's complicated history due to child molestation allegations
• Biopic set for 2025 release, facing delays due to 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike