Updated: Oct 27, 2021
In November 1991, news began swirling about a new movie musical titled "Midknight." The film's screenplay was co-written by Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Etc.) and Larry Wilson (Beetle Juice, The Addams Family, Etc.)—and was to be directed by Anton Furst with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson in the lead role.
According to Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures, The musical fantasy film was the biggest movie project Michael had discussed with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The action-musical storyline about a meek young man by day—turned singing and dancing hero at the stroke of midnight was conceptualized by Michael. The project was set to be released sometime in 1992 or 1993—but fell apart when the film's director, Anton Furst, committed suicide in 1991. Furst was a production designer for films such as "Full Metal Jacket" and Tim Burton's "Batman."
Besides a few articles with Amy Pascal and Caroline Thompson—there's not much information about the project regarding any production or filming. However, according to Caroline Thompson, the project was turned in.
To read a full article with screenwriter Caroline Thompson about the film—and her visit to Neverland along with Anton First and Amy Pascal, check out the following link:
(Please note: there are some things in the interview that unnerved me. However, the article does give more information about the film and such.)
In addition, here's two other informative write-ups about the project—one being a deep dive into Michael's movie projects and "Window Dressing."
https://forums.lostmediawiki.com/thread/3361/midknight-starring-michael-jackson-circa
I would love to read the screenplay for the movie if it still exists. Oh, how I wish Michael could have acted and directed in more films. I love watching him act—he was so amazingly talented.
Here are a few pictures of the film's concept art—created by Artist Greg Hildebrandt, who has done fantasy artwork for "Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and more!"
