The ‘Thriller’ Sequence in ‘Michael’ Reveals Impressive Behind-the-Scenes Craft

Few moments in pop culture hold as much significance as the ‘Thriller’ music video. When Michael Jackson debuted the nearly 14-minute mini-movie in December 1983, it revolutionized the music video format, establishing a benchmark that the industry has strived to meet for decades.

Naturally, when a major biopic about the King of Pop was announced, how filmmakers would approach that iconic sequence became one of the most eagerly awaited aspects of the production.

Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Michael’ has emerged as one of the standout cinematic events of the year. Featuring Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle and a supporting cast that includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller, the film chronicles Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to the height of his solo career. It has grossed over $888 million globally, making it the second-highest-grossing film of the year and the third-highest-grossing biographical film in history.

Now that the film is available on home platforms, a behind-the-scenes clip of the ‘Thriller’ sequence is circulating, providing a captivating glimpse into the meticulous effort that went into recreating one of pop music’s most iconic moments. The footage captures the production during a night shoot, showcasing the famous red and yellow letterman jacket, the werewolf mask, and the eerie ambiance that made the original so electrifying.

Fuqua prioritized authenticity from the outset, even filming at the original location where Jackson shot the ‘Thriller’ video. This level of commitment reflects both the director’s respect for his subject and the ambitious scope of the entire film. He also filmed at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family compound in Encino, California, and meticulously recreated the iconic costumes Jackson wore on stage.

What truly makes the film resonate is the performance at its core. Jaafar Jackson had no prior acting experience before taking on this role, and the pressure of embodying his uncle on such a grand stage would have overwhelmed most seasoned actors. Fuqua recounted the pivotal moment he realized Jaafar could lead the film, describing how he performed in front of 500 or 600 enthusiastic extras on the first day, creating an atmosphere akin to a real concert, and having to maintain that level of performance from various angles for several days.

This dedication extends to the ‘Thriller’ sequence, where recreating even a fraction of the choreographic and atmospheric magic of the original video demanded immense precision.

The original video was a groundbreaking production, directed by John Landis and filmed on 35-millimeter film with makeup by Oscar-winning artist Rick Baker. It ran nearly 14 minutes and was the first music video to be registered in the National Film Registry. Replicating that legacy on screen, even in a dramatized format, was always going to be a monumental challenge.

The film became available for purchase on digital streaming via premium video on demand on June 9, following a 46-day gap between its theatrical and streaming release. Viewers can now rent or buy it across platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, YouTube, and Google TV, with a physical media release packed with bonus features coming soon. For those who missed it in theaters or want to revisit the ‘Thriller’ sequence with new eyes, the timing is perfect.

Despite receiving mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, ‘Michael’ garnered a 97% audience score, highlighting a divide between critical reception and public enthusiasm.

Many critics felt the storytelling was overly sanitized, but audiences flocked to theaters, clearly eager for a grand cinematic tribute to one of music history’s most remarkable figures. The circulating behind-the-scenes footage serves as a reminder that, despite its narrative shortcomings, the film spared no effort in its pursuit of spectacle.

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