The King of Pop's legacy has left an enduring and memorable impression across the globe. Since his unfortunate death in 2009, many artists, fans and iconic personalities have paid tribute to the pop star by honouring his achievements.
Various films, documentaries and novels have been created to document, celebrate and inform the public on Michael Jackson's life, in addition to his personal and professional talents and accomplishments.
Now, a new television series is in the works that will showcase Jackson's life and the days before his death. Warner Bros. Television Group has just signed a multi-year development and production pod deal with broadcaster, author, and producer Tavis Smiley.
Smiley has written a variety of books, including ones about Jackson, such as Before You Judge Me: The Triumph And Tragedy of Michael Jackson’s Last Days and My Journey with Maya. The first book is scheduled to be published in 2016, however, it discusses the final 16 weeks before Jackson's death. The latter explores Jackson's 30 year friendship with poet Maya Angelou.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros. Television Group has already secured another television deal with Tavis. The studio has purchased the TV rights to his other book about Martin Luther King Jr., which is titled Death Of A King: The Real Story Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Final Year.
Smiley's TV projects will be produced through his corporation, The Smiley Group, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Television or Warner Horizon Television, with Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution managing sales across the globe.