The Michael Jackson "biopic"
4/30/202628 min
The movie is breaking records at the box office despite — or maybe because of — moonwalking past the abuse allegations.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
Today, Explained host Sean Rameswaram at a matinee showing of Michael.
Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSean Rameswaram· Host0:00
The new Michael Jackson biopic doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it ends in the '80s at the peak of Michael's career. People online have taken issue with this fact.
Speaker 10:08
[upbeat music] The team behind Michael should make a Hitler movie that ends with him triumphantly receiving the Iron Cross First Class Medallion for his distinguished service on the Western Front in World War I.
Speaker 20:21
R. Kelly biopic that ends with the release of Space Jam, music from and inspired by the motion picture.
Matt Belloni· Guest0:28
Jeffrey Epstein, the story of New York's greatest financier.
Sean Rameswaram· Host0:32
But for all the shade, Michael is a massive hit. It's currently the biggest movie in the world, with the biggest opening ever for a biopic. People are getting up and dancing in theaters. [upbeat music] What the dancers might not know is that this movie had to get made, then unmade, and then made again because of the elephant in the editing room. We're gonna tell that story on Today Explained from Vox.
Speaker 50:55
[upbeat music] Recommendations can be great. Maybe someone recommended this podcast, and here you are. But home projects are a little different. If the podcast isn't your thing, you might lose a few minutes from your day, but if you hire your cousin's neighbor to mount your TV, you might end up with a lopsided screen and wall damage. "I know a guy" isn't a good strategy for your home. That's why Thumbtack works so well. It matches you with top-rated local pros with photos, reviews, and credentials