The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic Michael underwent significant editing to transform an initial four-hour cut into a more streamlined theatrical release. Editor John Ottman, who stepped in to help reshape the project alongside Harry Yoon, shared insights into the process, including the removal of Jaafar Jackson’s voiceover narration and the addition of humor and intimacy to better engage audiences with the King of Pop’s story. The changes were necessary not only for pacing but also due to legal constraints around certain sensitive topics.
The original version charted Jackson’s life from his early days with the Jackson 5, played by young Juliano Krue Valdi, to his rise as a global superstar portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. It culminated with a powerful sequence at London’s Wembley Stadium during the “Bad” world tour. However, accusations of child abuse were ultimately removed following legal considerations involving a settlement clause. This required a major recut, with Ottman taking on the task of overhauling the film after initially planning only a short involvement. “I ended up recutting the whole movie,” he explained.
Ottman focused on injecting more intimacy into Jackson’s creative process while enhancing humor and energy throughout. One significant change involved eliminating about 25 minutes of voiceover narration delivered by Jaafar Jackson as the older Michael. The decision aimed to allow audiences to experience the childhood scenes more directly rather than through retrospective commentary. “You weren’t in the scenes and experiencing that ride,” Ottman noted. By restoring real-time storytelling, the emotional connection to young Michael’s journey became stronger and transferred more effectively to the later segments featuring the adult Jackson.
The editor also worked to make the early storyline more concise, clearly establishing Michael’s desire to break free from his father Joe’s control. Additional sequences highlighted Jackson’s creative tinkering, such as finger-snapping moments and scenes at his studio bulletin board while songwriting. To underscore the star’s loneliness, Ottman emphasized how animals like Bubbles the chimp, a llama, and a pet snake became his companions as fame grew. “I hope people pick up on the fact that those were his real friends,” he said. These touches helped humanize the icon and added layers to his on-screen persona.
Humor played an important role in balancing the film’s tone. Ottman sought opportunities to “dig out as much humor as possible,” incorporating light moments such as young Michael unable to keep still in the recording studio, the older Michael walking his llama past surprised neighbors, or a playful Prince joke. These elements not only endeared audiences to the character but also kept the viewing experience enjoyable. “It helps not only endear us to the character, but just keeps the audience having a fun time,” the editor explained.
The climactic “Bad” concert sequence, which bookends the film, presented particular challenges. Ottman aimed to make it a character-driven celebration of Jackson’s freedom, comparing it to the iconic Live Aid recreation in Bohemian Rhapsody. By teasing the performance early and returning to it later, the payoff became more satisfying. Close-ups highlighted Jaafar Jackson’s emotional delivery and vocals, while wider shots captured the energy and choreography. “Jaafar gave me so many lightning bolt moments,” Ottman recalled. “My mission is to get every one of them on the screen.”
The editing process also involved borrowing shots from later sections to ensure smooth transitions. For instance, security head Bill Bray appears near a Ferris wheel in one part of the film and was integrated into an earlier county fair scene. These creative solutions helped maintain narrative flow despite the extensive revisions.
Ottman described witnessing the emergence of two promising careers—those of Valdi and Jaafar Jackson—as one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. “I’m witnessing the beginning of two great careers,” he said. “I was there when it happened.” The final version of Michael aims to balance celebration of Jackson’s artistry with a grounded look at his humanity, offering audiences an intimate portrait of a complex legend.
As the film continues its theatrical run, the editors’ efforts to condense and refine the epic story have been crucial to its reception. By removing certain elements and enhancing others, they have crafted a version that seeks to honor Jackson’s legacy while delivering an engaging cinematic experience. The process reflects the challenges and creative decisions inherent in bringing such a monumental biography to the screen.
