Laura Harrier Cast as Pioneering Music Exec in Michael Jackson Biopic “Michael”

Actress Laura Harrier (BlackKlansman, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Hollywood series) has joined the cast of Michael, a forthcoming biopic on King of Pop, Michael Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Harrier will portray the character of Suzanne de Passe, the pioneering female music executive, and creative assistant to Motown founder Berry Gordy. De Passe is credited with convincing Gordy to sign the Jackson 5 to his label, and costumed the famous family group in their early days. She later played an important role in bringing the band and other Motown acts to live television. And also worked closely with Michael Jackson from childhood, standing by him as a teacher and mentor to navigate the music business.

A Screen Actors Guild Award nominee for her role in BlacKkKlansman, Harrier who is represented by Entertainment 360, CAA and Peikoff Mahan Law and Shelter PR, recently starred in the readaptation of comedy classic White Men Can’t Jump.

Harrier joins a host of cast like Colman Domingo and Nia Long who both play the patriarch and matriarch of the Jackson Family, Joe and Catherine Jackson. Actor Miles Teller () will play Jackson’s attorney and advisor, John Branca, with Graham King of GK Films (Bohemian Rhapsody) producing and scripting by three-time Oscar nominee, John Logan.

Michael Jackon’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is making his film debut playing his uncle in the biopic, while 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray the King of Pop from his early days in the Jackson 5.

[via]