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Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and accompanying theme park were brought back to life on Friday as work continues on a forthcoming film about the reclusive singer’s troubled life and career.
Jackson was preparing for a lucrative run of shows at London’s O2 Arena when he died at a rented Los Angeles mansion in 2009 as result of a cardiac arrest following an overdose of the surgical anesthetic drug Propofol.
In the years since his death at the age of 50, the pop icon has remained a relevant pop culture figure – celebrated for the body of work he left behind, amid a legacy complicated by controversies, among them allegations of child abuse.
His life is now set to dramatized in new biopic Michael, with Jackson’s own nephew Jaafar – an accomplished singer ands dancer in his own right – set to play his late uncle.
Neverland – the Santa Barbara Country ranch originally purchased by Jackson in 1988 – has now been reconstructed as filming continues ahead of the movie’s scheduled April 18, 2025 release.
Michael Jackson ‘s Neverland Ranch has brought back to life as work continues on a forthcoming film about the reclusive singer’s troubled life and career (left), and the original Neverland Ranch in 2003, two years before it was sold (right)
Jackson was preparing for a lucrative run of shows at London’s O2 Arena when he died at a rented Los Angeles mansion in 2009 as result of a cardiac arrest following an overdose of the surgical anesthetic drug Propofol
Ariel photos reveal the fairground rides, tents and children’s trains it became known for have all been carefully rebuilt, along with a Ferris wheel and a replica of Jackson’s carousel.
Additional photos show a recreation of his enormous red and white circus tent, as well as the red train that carried visitors around the park.
While filming continues, fans were given a taste of what to expect during a recent Lionsgate’s presentation, a year before it is expected to hit theaters.
The sneak peek did not disappoint as it began with Jackson on stage as he performed some of his greatest hits, including Man in the Mirror and Thriller.
Variety reported that it will ‘feature over 30’ of Jackson’s songs and recreated a number of them, ‘starting with Jackson 5’s classic rendition of ABC on American Bandstand.
Nia Long, who portrays the late pop star’s mother Nia Long, tells her gifted child that he has a ‘a very special light’ and to ‘make that light shine onto the world.’
‘There might be some people who think you’re different, and that’s gonna make life a little harder for you,’ she warned him. ‘But you never were like anyone else.’
During the presentation, producer Graham King said he was ‘looking forward to giving to the audience a thrill like they’ve never seen before.’
An overhead shot reveals the property has been restored to its former glory for the new film
The property in an overhead picture taken in 2003 as the singer battled child sex allegations
Jaafar Jackson is pictured in the title role for forthcoming film Michael (left), and the real Michael onstage in 1988 (right)
Ariel photos reveal the fairground rides, tents and children’s trains Neverland became known for have all been carefully rebuilt, along with a Ferris wheel and a replica of Jackson’s carousel
‘It is a story worthy of a cinematic presentation,’ King said, before showing the trailer, per Deadline. ‘For the first time, fans and generations of moviegoers will come together to get an inside look into the most prolific artist who ever lived.’
He noted that he and the filmmakers did their best to ‘find the untold version of the story.’
‘Michael Jackson was an enigma, full of eccentricities and … talent,’ he said. ‘[He was also] simply a man who lived a very complicated life.’
In addition to highlighting his expansive discography, it will follow Jackson’s ‘life on stage and his life out of the public eye.’
This includes his childhood in Gary, Indiana to not being able to leave his home without getting mobbed by fans.
Variety also claimed that the film will ‘with the abuse’ claims aganist Jackson, who faced multiple allegations of child sexual abuse.
King also teased it would be ‘a long feature film.’
