The Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael,’ reportedly filmed scenes at the late artist’s iconic Neverland Ranch. Filming permits confirm the production utilized the extensive estate for several days in April 2024.
According to a permit obtained by Us Weekly, a film titled ‘Maven’ shot at the sprawling property from April 15-20 and again from April 22-27. The final day of shooting was listed as May 1. ‘Maven’ is believed to be the working title for the ‘Michael’ biopic.
The permit documentation detailed plans to film interior and exterior dialogue. It also included ambient smoke, a small interactive zoo, and its animals.
The production was also authorized to film a helicopter landing and takeoff. Scenes depicting "car arrival and departure" were approved. A "stunt double climbing a tree" was another notable sequence. Jackson was famously known for climbing trees at Neverland Ranch, even demonstrating this skill to reporter Martin Bashir during the 2003 documentary ‘Living With Michael Jackson’.
Filming took place between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m.
The crew utilized a significant amount of equipment. This included two helicopters, five box trucks, a catering truck, two flatbed trucks, two semi-trailer trucks, eight motorhomes, ten pickup trucks, and five vans.
The biopic is set to premiere on April 24, 2026.
Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stars as Michael. Colman Domingo plays Michael’s father, Joe Jackson. Nia Long portrays his mother, Katherine Jackson.
The film’s release was initially planned for October but was postponed. This delay was due to the need to shoot the third act.
The original cut of the film reportedly included scenes discussing Jordan Chandler, an accuser of Michael Jackson. However, the production team allegedly overlooked a prior out-of-court settlement that prevented any discussion of Chandler. Producers had to schedule reshoots to correct this issue.
Michael Jackson purchased the property in Santa Barbara County in 1988. He renamed it Neverland Ranch. The pop star resided there from 1988 until 2005.
The sprawling estate featured a private amusement park, a zoo, and a 13,000 square foot main residence. Jackson left the home after his acquittal in a criminal child sexual abuse case.
In 2008, Jackson nearly lost the property to foreclosure. He ultimately reached an agreement with a private investment group to retain ownership.
Tom Barrack’s company, Colony Capital, acquired the delinquent loan. Later that year, the title to the home transferred from Michael Jackson to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company, LLC.
Jackson reportedly sold his stake in the ranch for $35 million. The property was then listed for $100 million in 2015 after extensive renovations.
The listing highlighted a lake with a waterfall, guest houses, a tennis court, a movie theater, and a performance stage. The home remained on the market, with its asking price eventually dropping to $67 million, then to $31 million.
In 2020, billionaire Ron Burkle acquired the property for $22 million through his company, Remember LLC.
Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. His daughter, Paris Jackson, is currently involved in a legal dispute with the administrators of her late father’s estate. This information was first reported by Us Weekly.