Michael Jackson's Next Phase Comes to Big Screens

It would have either been one of the greatest and most entertaining comebacks in pop culture history, or it would have been the largest single disaster to devastate an already ailing legend. However, it is undeniable that Michael Jackson's "This Is It" tour was expected to be the catalyst to recharge the King of Pop or put the nail in a career that was sidetracked by abuse, allegations and allegory.

On Monday, Sony Pictures finalized a deal to release a musical film composed from 80 hours of rehearsal footage shot in preparation for the 50 London concerts Jackson was gearing up for when he died June 25. The pop singer had been collaborating with numerous high profile figures, such as fashion designer Christian Audigier, longtime friend and choreographer Kenny Ortega and  actor Lou Ferrigno.

The film will open simultaneously nationwide and around the world on Oct. 30, confirmed by Sony in a statement released today. It's a quick turnaround for a movie, says Sony Pictures spokesman Steve Elzer, but editors have been at work on the footage since before the deal was struck, and the remaining two months will be plenty of time to complete the project. Sequences will be in 3-D, and new interviews are planned with those who knew and worked with Jackson on the incomplete project.

Negotiations to acquire the footage for theatrical release began in mid-July, roughly three weeks after Jackson's death. A bidding war between the major Hollywood studios broke out then for the still-unfinished film. The release announcement came shortly after Sony's final bid of $60 million for the film rights was approved Monday by a Los Angeles County probate court administering deals between Jackson's estate and concert promoter AEG Live, which had to refund $85 million for ticket holders to the London shows.

As the film is still in the editing process, many are unsure of what type of film it will be: a full on recreation of the what the concert would have been? New interviews with Jackson and his confidantes? Most importantly, considering the secrecy surrounding the cause of his death: Will they skirt the issue entirely?

Fans around the world lit up upon hearing the announcement. "We're not rushing it, but we do want to get it out there," Elzer promised in the statement. While there is still no closure in the investigation into his death, hopefully the film will provide the closure his devoted admirers are seeking.

Photo courtesy of Life.com