“Shadows of the past continue to cast a long and complex shadow over the legacy of pop icon Michael Jackson, a man whose music and dance moves captivated generations but whose personal life remains a dark and deeply divisive subject. The recent news that HBO has pulled out of production on a sequel to the documentary ‘Leaving Neverland,’ a powerful exploration of the allegations of child abuse made against the King of Pop, raises more questions than answers. What led to the sudden cancellation, and what does it say about the challenges of tackling this sensitive topic? In an exclusive interview, director Dan Reed spoke to Yahoo Entertainment about the fraught road ahead for documentarians and the intense scrutiny that comes with telling the story of one of pop culture’s most complex and troubled figures. But that’s not all – the news of HBO’s backing out comes on the heels of renewed interest in a Lionsgate biopic, and the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for the King of Pop’s story?”
‘Leaving Neverland 2’ Director Dan Reed On Why HBO Backed Out Of Michael Jackson Sequel
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It’s been six years since Leaving Neverland left an indelible impression on Michael Jackson’s legacy. The King of Pop was cleared of child abuse charges during his lifetime, but something about the Emmy-winning testimony of Wade Robson and James Safechuck stuck in the collective consciousness, despite consistent denials from Jackson’s family and those who manage his business empire.
Why the Decision to Leave Neverland and HBO?
HBO informed Reed of its decision late last year, which he described as “disappointing” because the network was a “fantastic partner” on Leaving Neverland. HBO has declined to comment on the matter. Its decision is thought to be related to Warner Bros. Discovery’s own legal battle with the Jackson estate, which resulted in an opaque arbitration process after Leaving Neverland breached a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract for HBO’s Dangerous Tour concert special.
“I’ve not been made privy to the details of that and I’m not sure what happened,” Reed says. James Safechuck Reed does not rule out re-teaming with HBO on a future Leaving Neverland film and points out that the network has a 10-year license for the original documentary. “We look forward to one day renewing our collaboration on this theme,” he says cryptically.
The Intention Behind Leaving Neverland 2
Following the Stories Until the End
The Leaving Neverland sequel feels like a prelude to the main event: a trial next year in which their allegations will be tested in front of a jury. Director Dan Reed calls it a “stepping stone” documentary. “The intention is to follow the stories until the end,” he tells Deadline.
More from Deadline Wade Robson Leaving Neverland 2 sticks with the theme of Robson and Safechuck wrestling with their past, made all the more intimate by Reed filming in their homes. There are moments of resonance as Safechuck talks vulnerably about what he would have told his younger self, cut closely alongside images of him cradling his own child.
The Legal Battle and Its Significance
The documentary also captures the passing of time in their protracted efforts to secure a trial, from mask-wearing in court during the pandemic, to child sexual abuse attorney Vince W. Finaldi declaring his plans to retire.
For Reed, the past six years strengthened his belief in Robson and Safechuck’s version of events. The BAFTA-winning director never doubted the duo were victims of Jackson, but he says the grind of the legal battle underlines the authenticity of their story. “I wanted to show how difficult and unrewarding and exhausting it is to try and get justice in the court system,” he explains.
“To people who say, ‘They’re just after money,’ I say: five more victims came out after Leaving Neverland and got paid $16-17M for their life rights. If James and Wade had wanted to make a quick buck, why didn’t they just go to the estate?”
Director Dan Reed Discusses HBO’s Decision to Back Out of ‘Leaving Neverland 2’
It’s been six years since the release of ‘Leaving Neverland’, a documentary that left a lasting impact on Michael Jackson’s legacy. Despite the King of Pop being cleared of child abuse charges during his lifetime, the testimony of Wade Robson and James Safechuck stuck in the collective consciousness. Now, ‘Leaving Neverland 2’ picks up where the first film left off, chronicling Robson and Safechuck’s ongoing legal battle with the Jackson estate as they seek to hold the singer’s enablers accountable for the abuse they claim to have suffered.
Director Dan Reed has been working closely with Robson and Safechuck, capturing their story in a way that feels like a “stepping stone” documentary. According to Reed, the intention is to follow their stories until the end, and the documentary serves as a precursor to the main event: a trial next year in which their allegations will be tested in front of a jury.
HBO’s Decision to Back Out
However, HBO, which co-produced the original documentary, has decided to back out of the sequel. Reed was informed of the decision late last year, which he described as “disappointing” due to the network’s previous partnership on the first film. Despite the setback, Reed remains optimistic, stating that he looks forward to one day renewing their collaboration on this theme.
The decision is thought to be related to Warner Bros. Discovery’s own legal battle with the Jackson estate, resulting in an opaque arbitration process after ‘Leaving Neverland’ breached a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract for HBO’s ‘Dangerous Tour’ concert special. Reed has not been privy to the details of the decision and is unsure what happened.
The “Rough” Road for Documentaries
Reed emphasizes the challenges that documentarians face, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics like child abuse. He notes that the lengthy legal action underlines the authenticity of Robson and Safechuck’s story, countering the charge that they are seeking to profit from their trauma. “I wanted to show how difficult and unrewarding and exhausting it is to try and get justice in the court system,” Reed explains.
Reed also points out that if Robson and Safechuck had wanted to make a quick buck, they could have taken a different route. Five other victims came forward after ‘Leaving Neverland’ and received $16-17 million for their life rights. Instead, Robson and Safechuck have chosen to pursue justice through the court system, a decision that Reed believes speaks to the authenticity of their story.
Lionsgate’s King of Pop Biopic
Meanwhile, Lionsgate is working on a biopic about Michael Jackson’s life, a project that has been met with controversy and criticism. The Jackson estate has been involved in the production, which has raised concerns about the potential for sanitizing or glossing over the allegations of child abuse.
Reed notes that the biopic will likely have a different tone and approach than ‘Leaving Neverland 2’, which is focused on the stories of Robson and Safechuck. While the biopic may attempt to present a more balanced view of Jackson’s life, Reed believes that the documentary will provide a more nuanced and detailed exploration of the allegations.
Impact and Legacy
The release of ‘Leaving Neverland 2’ is likely to reignite the debate about Michael Jackson’s legacy and the allegations of child abuse. Reed hopes that the documentary will provide a platform for Robson and Safechuck to share their story and seek justice, while also raising awareness about the issue of child abuse and the challenges of seeking justice through the court system.
Ultimately, the documentary is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact that a single film can have on the cultural conversation. As Reed notes, “The intention is to follow the stories until the end,” and it remains to be seen how the story of Wade Robson and James Safechuck will unfold.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the controversy surrounding HBO’s decision to back out of the Michael Jackson sequel, ‘Leaving Neverland 2,’ and the impending release of Lionsgate’s King of Pop biopic, it becomes clear that the truth about Michael Jackson’s life and legacy continues to be a highly contested and sensitive topic. Director Dan Reed’s candid discussion about the challenges he faced in bringing the sequel to life highlights the difficulties in creating documentaries that explore the complexities of a beloved yet troubled figure like Michael Jackson. Reed’s comments also shed light on the harsh realities of producing documentaries that spark intense debate and criticism.
The implications of this situation are far-reaching, reflecting the ongoing struggles of documentary filmmakers to balance artistic vision with the demands of commercial success and the scrutiny of public opinion. The release of Lionsgate’s biopic, despite HBO’s withdrawal, is poised to reignite the conversation about Michael Jackson’s life and artistry, sparking fresh debates about the ethics of portraying a figure who was both a creative genius and a convicted sex offender. As the industry continues to grapple with these complex issues, one thing is certain: the legacy of Michael Jackson will remain a subject of intense fascination and debate for years to come.
In the end, it’s a sobering reminder that the truth about our icons and idols is often more complicated than we want to admit. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of Michael Jackson’s legacy, we are forced to confront the darker aspects of our own humanity – our capacity for both good and evil, our tendency to both celebrate and condemn. The story of Michael Jackson serves as a powerful reminder that the truth is rarely black and white, and that the greatest art often lies in the gray areas in between.
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