Inside Michael Jackson’s revamped Neverland theme park as it’s brought back to life for film featuring star’s nephew
SINGER Michael Jackson’s Neverland theme park has been brought back to life for a film on the life of the late King of Pop.
Fairground rides appear to have been repainted and the lush landscaping restored at the private amusement complex.
It was a hive of activity as scenes were shot for “Michael”, which will star his 27-year-old nephew Jaafar, as Jackson.
It is due out next year.
The ranch, in Santa Barbara, California, was named after Peter Pan’s fairytale home.
It fell into disuse after Jackson left it in 2005.
The star cleared out shortly after he was acquitted of child abuse charges.
It was bought by US billionaire Ron Burkle in 2020 for almost £18million.
A spokesperson who had also served as Jackson’s financial adviser told The New York Times that Burkle had viewed the home as an investment.
There was initial speculation that the Neverland estate would be memorialized in Jackson’s memory, much like Elvis Presley’s Graceland home, but was placed on the market in 2016.
The house was originally listed for $100million and dropped to $67million the following year.
