Netflix Scoops Stop-Motion Animated Film on Michael Jackson's Pet Chimp, Bubbles
Another day, another film headed to your Netflix dial. In the latest of their seemingly endless grabs, the streaming giant has landed the much-anticipated Michael Jackson project from director Taika Waititi. The stop-motion animated film is slated to focus on Jackson's notorious pet chimpanzee, Bubbles, who was adopted in the mid-80s and became a permanent fixture at the ranch, expanding the mythos (and growing oddness) of his regal foster parent.
Variety reports that the film was heavily bid on at the Cannes Film Festival and is nearing a $20 million deal that would bring it to screens of varying sizes across the globe. Last year, rumors swirled over a new Bubbles biopic, potentially produced by Rick & Morty creator, Dan Harmon. It's still unclear whether this is that same project or an entirely different one. Waititi is currently wrapping up as director of the next Thor flick (his biggest to date,) and seems to have good footing for his next few steps in Hollywood if this Bubbles thing finally sees the light of day.
The Bubbles biopic is the latest adapted-to-screen project related to the late King of Pop. A new trailer for Lifetime's Searching For Neverland, finds the final years of MJ's life recounted through the eyes of his bodyguards. No timeline for this release has been revealed just yet, but a date should be imminent, just as soon as the ink dries.