Neverland Ranch has been cleared as a main filming location for the upcoming biopic about Michael Jackson.
This was confirmed by film permit activity reviewed by SF Gate, who said that almost 300 people were granted permission to shoot on the property.
Neverland Ranch was purchased by billionaire Ron Burkle for $22 million in 2020, which was also a fraction of the initial $100 million asking price.
The property which sits on roughly 2,700 acres, also includes a 50 seat cinema, basketball court and several guesthouses.
Michael Jackson also stopped visiting Neverland in 2005, after being charged with several counts of child molestation. He was acquitted of all charges in court.
Biopic to offer “an informed insight” into Michael Jackson
Reports of a Jackson biopic were first revealed in 2022, with film titled Michael, to be produced by Graham King, renowned for his work on the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody in 2019.
The screen play is to also be written by John Logan, who worked alongside King on Martin Scorsese’s film, The Aviator in 2004.
“Michael will give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life”, a press release had said previously.
Michaels Jackson died in 2009.
