EXCLUSIVE: Michael Jackson's Family 'Outraged and Sickened' Over Plan to 'Resurrect' Him in Huge 'Ghoulish' Arena Show
Michael Jackson's family has been left sick over a holographic 'resurrection' of the late singer.
Nov. 9 2025, Published 12:00 p.m. ET
Michael Jackson's family has slammed plans to premiere the upcoming biopic Michael with a holographic "resurrection" of the late star at London's O2 Arena – with insiders telling RadarOnline.com they feel the idea is "ghoulish" and "deeply disrespectful."
The proposal, understood to be backed by Universal Studios, would see the long-delayed film launch next spring at the same venue where the King of Pop was due to begin his This Is It residency in July 2009. Jackson, who died aged 50 just 18 days before the first concert, had been preparing for 50 sold-out shows at the arena – preparation sources tell us pushed the singer "to his limit" and increased his addiction to hospital-grade tranquilizer propofol, which killed him.
'Macabre Publicity Stunt' Sparks Family Fury
Michael Jackson’s family has condemned the holographic resurrection plan at the O2 Arena.
It's also understood production bosses have been in discussions to recreate Jackson's final performances using hologram technology, with thousands of fans expected to attend the show. But family members are said to be furious about what they describe as a "macabre publicity stunt."
A source told RadarOnline.com: "Michael was a perfectionist. The idea of digitally resurrecting him for marketing purposes would have horrified him. It feels like they're trying to profit off his death all over again. They feel as if this attempt to resurrect him, in a show focusing on one of the hardest periods of his life, is totally ghoulish."
Is Michael Being 'Exploited'?
Universal Studios plans to premiere the biopic ‘Michael’ next spring.
Universal is reportedly in talks with Cineworld at the O2 in London to stage the premiere, with executives said to believe the setting will provide "emotional symmetry" for the project.
One entertainment industry source said: "It was always Michael's dream to perform at the O2. Bringing the film there would close that circle. Producers insist they are doing this to honor him, not exploit him."
But a Jackson family insider added: "The O2 should have been a place of triumph, not a sideshow. To turn that stage into a ghostly spectacle is beyond distasteful."
Fans, too, have expressed mixed reactions. Some see the premiere as a fitting tribute – but many others call it a cynical cash-grab. One told us: "The O2 was supposed to be where Jackson reclaimed his crown. Using it now to debut a film about his life feels both poetic and unsettling."
The O2 Arena has become a focal point for tribute and debate over the project.
Following Jackson's death in June 2009, the O2 became an impromptu memorial site, with fans gathering there for vigils and tributes. Many of those same supporters are now speaking out against the planned "digital comeback."
Another longtime fan said: "I was there the night we lit candles outside the arena. The idea of watching a computer-generated version of him dance there now just feels wrong."
The Jackson estate has yet to comment publicly on the plan.
Biopic Controversy and Family Rejection
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Paris Jackson has publicly distant herself from the controversial film.
As preparations continue, tensions between the studio and the Jackson family threaten to boil over, with one insider saying, "Producers wanted to celebrate his legacy. Instead, they've managed to upset the very people who protect it."
A Jackson biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has also caused controversy.
It is also set to trace Jackson's rise from Motown prodigy to global icon and will star his 27-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, alongside Colman Domingo and Miles Teller. Production began last year, but the release was delayed from April 2025 to April 2026 to allow additional post-production and promotional planning.
But members of the Jackson family strongly disagree. The late singer's 27-year-old daughter, Paris Jackson, has publicly distanced herself from the project.
She has seethed: "The narrative is being controlled and there's a lot of inaccuracy and there's a lot of just full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it."
