Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael” biopic has recently welcomed Laura Harrier to its star-studded ensemble. Known for her roles in “BlacKkKlansman” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Harrier will take on the role of Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive, in the Lionsgate production.
De Passe, a former creative assistant to Motown founder Berry Gordy, played a crucial role in convincing Gordy to sign The Jackson 5 to his label. Additionally, she was responsible for shaping the iconic family group’s early image and played a key role in bringing them and other Motown sensations to live television. De Passe maintained a close association with Michael Jackson from his childhood, serving as a mentor and helping him navigate the intricacies of the music business.
READ: Jaafar Jackson Channels Michael Jackson in First Look at Upcoming ‘Michael’ Biopic
The biopic, set to release on April 18, 2025, has already assembled an impressive cast. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, will make his screen debut as the pop icon, and 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray the King of Pop during his early Jackson 5 days. Produced by Graham King of GK Films (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and scripted by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, the film promises an authentic portrayal of the Jackson 5’s journey.
The cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca. Other members, such as Jamal R. Henderson, Jayden Harville, Tre Horton, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Rhyan Hill, Judah Edwards, Joseph David-Jones, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, complete the ensemble portraying various Jackson family members.
Producer Graham King expressed his excitement, stating, “The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years. I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.”