This Is It also teases the show we never saw. The film reveals elaborate stage designs: a giant spider for "Thriller," a 3D film sequence for "Smooth Criminal" with Humphrey Bogart and Rita Hayworth, a "They Don’t Care About Us" featuring an army of digital soldiers. The scale was unprecedented.
Sadly, we will never know what could have been. Michael Jackson's untimely death on June 25, 2009, meant that "This Is It" would never come to fruition. However, the legacy of the concert series lives on, and fans continue to celebrate the music and artistry of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson-s This Is It
The Final Masterpiece: A Tribute to Michael Jackson’s "This Is It" This Is It also teases the show we never saw
The documentary is not a biography. It is a concert film of a show that never happened. It intersperses raw rehearsal footage (complete with cursing, missteps, and Jackson’s soft-spoken directions like "I'm gonna let the music speak to me... you gotta groove, baby" ) with the polished CGI backdrops and dance auditions. Sadly, we will never know what could have been
Michael Jackson’s " This Is It " was more than just a documentary or a concert residency; it was a glimpse into the creative brilliance of the King of Pop as he prepared for what would have been his definitive comeback. Originally planned as a 50-show residency at London's O2 Arena, the project shifted into a posthumous tribute that broke global records and gave fans one last look at MJ’s unmatched artistry. The Vision: A Return to the Stage
Ortega described the production as "the most advanced concert nobody ever got to see." The budget was rumored to exceed $40 million. Key elements included:
In the years since Jackson's death, there have been numerous tributes and celebrations of his music and legacy. The "This Is It" concert series may have been cancelled, but it remains a fascinating footnote in the history of popular music. The production values, the setlist, and the rehearsal footage all provide a glimpse into what could have been a groundbreaking and unforgettable concert experience.