Channel 4 has taken a significant step by entrusting Wonderhood Studios with the production of the 4 x 60-minute series "The Trial of Michael Jackson" (working title). This series holds the promise of delving deep into the life and story of Michael Jackson, a global icon whose influence continues to resonate.

Insights from the Production Team

The series was commissioned by Channel 4's senior commissioning editor Anna Miralis and Alisa Pomeroy, Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment at Channel 4. It was developed by Wonderhood's Director of Development Tom Garton, Louise Kentleton, and Tom Anstiss. This collaborative effort showcases the importance placed on bringing this story to life.

Contributors and Archive Examination

The series will feature contributors who have remained silent until now, adding a new dimension to the plot of Michael Jackson's 2005 criminal trial. Alongside his rise to fame and life in the spotlight, it will meticulously examine available archive. This forensic examination aims to offer a deeper understanding of Jackson's life as it was played out in front of the cameras. Over 2,000 journalists from around the world flocked to Santa Maria, California for the trial. Channels interrupted their regular programming to provide 24-hour news coverage, and even E! Entertainment and Sky News worked together to recreate the trial using a Jackson impersonator.

Exploring Themes and Legacy

By revisiting the trial in forensic detail, this archive-driven series not only explores the relationship between Jackson and the media but also documents his life story. It seeks to ask wider questions about race, fame, journalistic ethics, and the American justice system. Michael Jackson's mesmerising performances and groundbreaking music have made him an enduring global icon. In 2005, he faced the most dramatic six months of his life as he was accused of heinous crimes. Through the prism of the trial in which he was found not guilty, we can explore his life alongside themes of race, justice, money, and fame.

Media Circus and Lasting Impact

The 2005 criminal trial of Michael Jackson was a unique event in history. The most famous man on the planet was in the dock, surrounded by a media circus. Now, we have the chance to peel back the layers of this circus and explore Jackson's complicated legacy in detail. Many remember the tumultuous media frenzy and its lasting effect on Jackson. The astonishing archive and accounts from those featured will offer a unique insight into this momentous trial and Jackson himself.