Report: Sony Planning Movie From Jackson Rehearsal Footage; Timberlake To Perform At London Tribute Concert
First Published: July 20, 2009 11:35 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images
Caption Michael Jackson rehearses for his planned shows in London at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 23, 2009LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Michael Jackson may have suddenly died in the midst of his comeback – but the singer will reportedly live on in a planned feature film from the “This is It” tour rehearsal footage.
In addition, the King of Pop will also be honored with a tribute concert held on what would have been Jackson’s 51st birthday in London, featuring Justin Timberlake and other artists, according to Variety.
After a reported bidding war, Sony Pictures Entertainment is about to close a deal to make a feature film using the 80 hours of rehearsal footage shot for the singer’s 50-date stint at London’s O2 Arena for the “This is It” tour, according to Variety.
Sony will reportedly pay upwards of $50 million to AEG Entertainment for the rights to the film. The footage, which was meant to be show in between songs during the concert, includes multiple videos meant to play in 3-D. One of the videos is an alternate version of “Thriller.”
Kenny Ortega, best known as the man behind “High School Musical” who was also directing Jackson’s tour, is expected to helm the film. Ortega has already reportedly begun work on the film and Sony hopes to release it before the end of the year.
Also in the works, AEG is trying to close a deal for the TV and video rights to a Jackson tribute concert on what would have been Jackson’s 51st birthday in London. Justin Timberlake is one of the artist reportedly taking part in the show that perform the same set list Jackson planned for his London shows.
When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for AEG said, “We don’t comment on speculation.”
The tribute concert is scheduled for August 29.
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