How an accidental archive of rehearsals became the world's most successful documentary film
In short: When Michael Jackson died in 2009, hundreds of hours of private rehearsal footage were never intended for public eyes. Yet, after a massive deal between Sony and AEG Live, this candid material was transformed into a global cinematic event that shattered box office records and redefined the late star's legacy.
The 2009 film Michael Jackson's This Is It was never planned as a commercial project. Director Kenny Ortega, who was helming the singer's cancelled residency at London's O2 Arena, captured the rehearsals solely for Jackson's private library. It was only after the artist's sudden death that Ortega and the concert promoter, AEG Live, decided to edit the footage into a documentary. The production was a high-stakes business move; Sony Pictures paid $60 million for the rights, with an agreement that the estate would receive 90 percent of the profits.
The film's path to theaters was marked by intense controversy. Some family members and fans argued that the project exploited Jackson's death to recoup financial losses from the cancelled tour. Allegations surfaced that the film utilized body doubles, claims that Sony vehemently denied as baseless. Despite this, the marketing campaign was unprecedented. Sony launched global pre-sales a month early, and the demand was so overwhelming that the film set international records before it even premiered. By the end of its run, it became the highest-earning documentary in global box office history, grossing $267.9 million.
Beyond the numbers, the film serves as a window into Jackson's final creative process. It features rehearsals for iconic tracks like 'Thriller' and 'Billie Jean,' alongside intimate moments of Jackson directing his band and dancers. The project also included a commemorative album and a title track featuring his brothers. While critics generally praised the portrayal of Jackson's performance, the film remains a complex artifact—a blend of private, unguarded moments and a carefully curated tribute designed to protect the superstar's image and celebrate his intended comeback.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Michael Jackson's This Is It
- Also: Wikidata — Michael Jackson's This Is It · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Michael Jackson's This Is It · CC0
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