Michael Jackson has reportedly signed up to participate (in a production rather than performing capacity, I think) in a Broadway musical version of 'Thriller', which will transform the legendary fourteen minute video for the title track of Jacko's sixth album into a full stage show.
I think this project has nothing to do with the 'Thriller Live' show that has just opened in London's West End to very mixed reviews, but don't quote me on that.
The new show will, like the London musical, incorporate songs from Jackson's catalogue, though whereas the West End production includes Jackson Five songs too I think this new project will just take songs from 'Thriller' and 'Off The Wall'.
Anyway, this is all relevant to the pop courts because the director of the original video, John Landis, has just sued the singer claiming he is owed royalties relating to the famous pop promo. Whether the news of the Broadway project prompted the lawsuit I'm not sure.
According to his contract with Jacko, Landis is due 50% of any revenues generated by the video or its accompanying documentary. He is also due regular revenue updates. He claims that he has heard nothing for four years. He is suing Jacko and his people for "fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct". It's thought Landis may be due up to $1 million in unpaid royalties.