Nelson George, a renowned music historian, journalist, and documentary filmmaker, is collaborating with Sony Music Entertainment and the Michael Jackson estate for an official documentary about Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling record of all time, that is under production.
Thriller has sold 100 million copies worldwide and 34 million copies in the United States alone. It has received eight Grammy Awards and produced seven top 10 singles. This November marks 40 years since its debut. George’s documentary will feature “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” chronicling “the point in Jackson’s career that launched the singer into mega-stardom and created a pop culture phenomenon that is woven through the culture and continues to influence the worlds of music, television, dance, fashion and more to this day.”
“The release of Thriller redefined Michael Jackson, taking him from teen star to adult superstar, who composed memorable songs, sang beautifully and reached the highest level of onstage performance,” the director said in a statement. “The album, and the short films they inspired, created a new template for marrying music and image. It’s been a privilege to explore this extraordinary album and revisit its magic.”
Also Read: Disney+ biggest film premiere is Hocus Pocus 2
Along with “Billie Jean,” Thriller included the tracks “Beat It,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Something,” “Human Nature,” the title song “Thriller,” and “The Girl Is Mine,” a duet with Paul McCartney, among others. The estate is behind other enormously successful MJ productions, including the 2009 film This Is It, the Las Vegas spectacular Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, and the Tony Award-winning MJ The Musical on Broadway.
Sony Music Entertainment will distribute the untitled Thriller film. Colin Hanks and Sean Stuart from Company Name serve as producers. John Branca and John McClain serve as Executive Producers. No expected release date has been announced.
