Michael Jackson Chimp Movie Attracts Taika Waititi

Thor: Ragnarok director New Zealander Taika Waititi has signed on to direct Bubbles, a stop-motion animated film about Michael Jackson’s pet chimpanzee, alongside Emmy Award-winning Mark Gustafson.

“It’s an idea that fascinates me and one I want to develop further,” Waititi, 41, said in a statement. “Most people know I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan, so the main thing for me is to make sure it’s respectful of him and his legacy.”

“I’m not interested in making a biopic; I want to focus on telling a story that blends fact and fantasy, about an animal trying to make sense of the world. This film is not about Michael Jackson because that’s not a story for me to tell – or a story I’d be comfortable telling – it’s about a chimpanzee’s fascinating journey through the complex jungle of human life.”

“I think animation is the only way to approach a story like this. I really loved Anomalisa because it was beautiful and authentic in its meditation on loneliness. I’m really excited to be working with [producer] Dan Harmon and Starburns as we share similar sensibilities and want to tell human stories in unique and artistic ways.”

Thor: Ragnarok will be released in the United States in November. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum and New Zealander Karl Urban.

Original article by Matt Pressberg, San Francisco Gate, February 10, 2017.