Michael Jackson Biopic May Be in Works; Awesome Bookie Puts Johnny Depp Atop Casting Pool

Among the heap of speculative projects idling in the landfill otherwise known as Hollywood, a Michael Jackson biopic has long been one thought likeliest to be reclaimed. This week, in fact, comes word that the late pop icon's estate is in discussions with Ivan Reitman's Montecito Picture Company to nudge such a project forward. Not to be outdone, an Irish bookie with a demonstrated interest in the most outlandish cultural wagers imaginable has commenced casting speculation in an inspired -- very inspired -- fashion.

First off, have a generously sized grain of salt handy. Now choke it down, chased with the morning beverage of your choice (preferably whiskey). And then browse Tuesday's dispatch from Variety, in which the King of Pop's estate is said to have approached Reitman and partner Tom Pollock about bringing "certain periods of the late singer's life" to the screen. Pollock told the trade that while talks have occurred, nothing is close to locked; indeed, there is no evidence of a script, treatment or anything beyond the impossible dream of an authorized Michael Jackson feature that might actually work for the family, fans and casual filmgoers alike.

But! It's never too soon to toss out some casting suggestions -- especially those from Paddy Power, the notorious bookmakers from across the pond previously best known for favoring Natalie Portman to lead The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. (Rooney Mara, at 12:1 odds, would have been a nifty payout, but I digress.) Check out the fantastic line they've arranged for Untitled Michael Jackson Biopic That Will Probably Never Get Made:

4/1 Johnny Depp

9/2 Zac Efron

6/1 Usher

6/1 Jaden Smith

8/1 Will Smith

8/1 Jamie Foxx

10/1 Andre 3000

12/1 Justin Timberlake

12/1 Randy Jackson

16/1 Crispin Glover

16/1 Chris Brown

20/1 Chris Tucker

20/1 Jared Leto

20/1 Adrian Grenier

25/1 Derek Hough

40/1 Justin Bieber

40/1 Denzel Washington

40/1 Will.I.Am

40/1 Eddie Murphy

50/1 Kenny Wormald

50/1 Pharell Williams

80/1 Kevin Bacon

100/1 Channing Tatum

100/1 Keanu Reeves

Crispin Glover! Justin Bieber! Kevin Bacon! Genius. Said a Paddy Power spokeswoman via press release: "It's going to be one mammoth task trying to get someone good enough at acting and dancing to fill Michael Jackson's moon-walking shoes but when it comes to the race we're betting it don't matter if he's black or white!" Zing! Alternatively, let's hope Johnny Depp beats it and discovers that the man in the mirror is him! What a thriller! OK, that's enough whiskey.

· Michael Jackson estate thrills to biopic [Variety]

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