Sony has figured out a way for fans to be able to remember
Michael Jackson as their King of Pop forever. They’re about to close a deal to create a feature film out of the rehearsal footage shot for the
This Is It tour.
According to
Variety, there’s 80 hours worth of tape that was shot prior to Michael’s sudden death, and will now be transformed into a full-length feature.
Sony is reportedly paying AEG $50 million for the rights of the footage, which was originally intended to be shown in between songs during the London shows. We hear one of the videos is an alternate version of “Thriller.”
Kenny Ortega, who is the brains behind
High School Musical, is rumored to direct the film, which makes sense since he was in charge of Jackson’s
This Is It tour. He is working with Sony on having it released by the end of the year.
Also in the works is a deal for the TV rights to a Jackson tribute concert, which is reportedly being planned for August 29th, which would be the day of Michael’s 51st birthday. Justin Timberlake is rumored to one of the artists performing, but nothing has been confirmed.
This feature will be the ultimate closure for Michael Jackson fans, and something they can hold on to and remember their icon by forever.
