The Michael Jackson movie “This Is It” based on footage from concert rehearsals before his death in June will have simultaneous premieres in more than 15 cities around the world next month, the studio behind the film said on Monday.“This Is It” opens to the general public on 28 October for a limited two-week run. While Hollywood movies often have several premieres around the world, they rarely happen at the same time.
But for “This Is It,” more than 15 cities, including New York, Rio de Janeiro, London, Berlin and Seoul will host simultaneously premieres with a red carpet event in Los Angeles on 27 October, said Sony Pictures, which paid $60 million for rights to the rehearsal footage. Names of the other premiere-night cities were not released.The opening events will feature satellite transmissions of Hollywood stars arriving at the premiere in Los Angeles. London’s premiere will happen after midnight local time on 28 October, while Seoul’s event is scheduled for the morning of that day.In all, more than 25 cities worldwide will have premieres for the movie but not all will take place at the same time.
In the days before he died of an overdose of prescription drugs on 25 June, Jackson was rehearsing for a comeback with 50 sold-out shows in London.The $60 million movie deal was made between Jackson’s estate and concert promoter AEG Live and Sony Pictures.
