The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic has found their 'Dirty Diana'. On Monday (March 25), Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced several new additions to the film's already star-studded cast, led by The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Love Jones Actor Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.
In the The Vampire Diaries and other television shows, Graham boasts an extensive filmography, including a turn as Jada Pinkett Smith in Benny Boom's 2017 Tupac biopic All eyes on me. He has also released four studio albums – most recently, 2022 Long hot summer — and made several appearances in Advertising sign diagrams. In 2012, she Against the wall The EP debuted and peaked at No. 4 on the Heatseekers Albums. At the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards, Graham announced her upcoming new single, “World Song” (featuring will.i.am).
Diana Ross, the musical icon chosen by Motown to officially introduce the Jackson 5, remains an active figure in the entertainment industry. In 2021, the Grammy winner was released Thanksher 25th studio album, which earned her a Grammy nomination for best traditional pop vocal album — her first since 1983. Last year, she surprised Beyoncé with a medley of “Love Hangover” and “Happy Birthday” on “Texas Hold'Em ” The singer's Renaissance World tour show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (September 4, 2023).
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy — who helped change the landscape of American music by introducing such legendary acts as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight and the Pips — will be brought to life by Larenz Tate. The beloved actor is currently starring in Starz's Power Book II: Ghosta 50 Cent production spin-off Powerin which Tate starred for six seasons.
In 2021, Gordy received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors and the following year, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
The last Michael The casting announcement also teases Jessica Sula as Billboard artist, Jackson's fifth sibling LaToya Jackson, Liv Simone as Billboard Hot 100 icon Gladys Knight, Kailyn Darrell Jones as MJ's confidant Bill Bray and Kevin-Clarkfinning.
Kendrick Sampson, whose credits include Issa Rae's Emmy nomination; Insecure, will star as famed Oscar and Grammy Award-winning producer and close associate of MJ Quincy Jones. The new additions bolster an already stellar cast, including Oscar nominees Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael.
Currently in production, Michael — which stars Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role — is currently slated for a worldwide release on April 18, 2025. Training day Director Antoine Fuqua will direct the film, while Oscar nominee John Logan is handling the script. Michael Jackson's estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain are producing the film alongside Oscar winner Graham King, with help from the late singer's eldest son Prince Jackson on behalf of his siblings.
The casting news comes just days after Blanket Jackson, the “Thriller” singer's youngest son, went head-to-head with his grandmother, Katherine Jackson. In court filings taken by Advertising signBlanket argued that the superstar's estate shouldn't get the ball rolling for her current legal meltdown over a $600 million song catalog deal.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/kat-graham-play-diana-ross-larenz-tate-set-berry-gordy-michael-jackson-biopic-1235641086/