Thriller: Michael Jackson’s iconic album to get the documentary treatment

Last Updated on October 10, 2022

The Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music Entertainment have started production on a new documentary revolving around the King of Pop’s iconic Thriller album. Nelson George, a celebrated music historian, will direct the untitled presentation.

According to the official press release, the documentary “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally.” The information also notes, “‘Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”

Thriller has sold 34 million copies in the U.S. and 100 million worldwide. The Grammy-winning record turns 40 this November, making George’s documentary a great way to celebrate the milestone. The Thriller project includes “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” documenting “the point in Jackson’s career that launched the singer into mega-stardom and created a pop culture phenomenon that is woven through the culture and continues to influence the worlds of music, television, dance, fashion and more to this day.”

“The release of Thriller redefined Michael Jackson, taking him from teen star to adult superstar, who composed memorable songs, sang beautifully and reached the highest level of on-stage performance,” George said about the timeless record. “The album, and the short films they inspired, created a new template for marrying music and image. It’s been a privilege to explore this extraordinary album and revisit its magic.”

Michael Jackson’s Thriller features several of the King of Pop’s most memorable tracks, including “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and, of course, “Thriller.” Each song holds a special place in pop culture, with fans still celebrating Jackson’s work of art on stage, screen, and online.

“Michael opened and explored emotional depths and pushed the boundaries of sonic innovation on Thriller,” said John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Jackson estate. “In the process, he breached destructive barriers in the music industry and literally united the world through his music: there isn’t a place on this planet that hasn’t been exhilarated by the music of Michael Jackson. This documentary’s exploration of Michael’s process and impact is revelatory.”

“Michael Jackson’s Thriller marked a momentous and pivotal moment in both music and pop culture around the world. We’re excited to expand the estate’s documentary collection with our upcoming film and look forward to sharing it with fans around the world,” Sony Music Entertainment’s Tom Mackay, president of premium content, commented.

Few musical artists have achieved the heights of Michael Jackson. While there is no shortage of Jackson-related projects across the entertainment spectrum, a documentary revolving around one of his most outstanding musical contributions is bound to please fans of all ages.