Dion Beebe on Capturing Michael’s Story for the Big Screen

Hollywood cinematographer Dion Beebe is stepping behind the lens for one of the most anticipated films of the decade: Michael, the upcoming biopic about the King of Pop. Known for his Oscar-winning work on Memoirs of a Geisha and striking visuals in films like Collateral and Chicago, Beebe is bringing Michael Jackson’s story to life alongside director Antoine Fuqua.

Recently honored at the Cannes Film Festival, Beebe spoke about how this project has become a creative journey unlike any other. Early in filming, he revealed, they found themselves with over an hour and a half of pure musical performances. “Michael’s catalogue is so huge,” Beebe said, explaining how the sheer power of the songs led the team to expand the narrative even more.

At the heart of the film is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, who Beebe described as “an absolute revelation.” According to Beebe, Jaafar doesn’t just look like his uncle at a certain stage of his life, he moves like him, dances like him, and channels that unique stage presence in a way that stunned the entire crew. “Truly, the closest you’ll ever get to seeing Michael perform again is watching Jaafar,” he said.

While details are still tightly guarded, Beebe hinted that they’ve recreated some of Michael’s most iconic music video moments. And he made it clear that fans can expect a celebration of Michael’s artistry rather than an exposé. “That’s not the goal of the movie,” he said.

While there’s no official release date yet, the film is expected to arrive sometime in 2026.

Full interview HERE