It's been no secret that Michael wanted to get into films and has a love of films. What has been a secret is the extent of his involvement with films. I am sure, him being the go getter that he is, he would not have just had it a dream that went unrealized. I wish I remember the quote he made about films being the best artform for sharing an idea or something...I could be remembering it wrong but he spoke highly of film, even higher than music.
He said something years ago about superhero comic characters being the next big thing in film and just look at what has happened in recent years. I can't help but think he had something to do with that. He also was working on buying Marvel from what I can remember. Just because it looks like that was unsuccessful doesn't mean it was. Or maybe he created his own?
He has been back up in many songs that don't mention his name so I don't see why he couldn't have done the same in the film world. It's not like he doesn't have the connections; Steven Spielberg, Kenny Ortega, Bret Ratner and so many others in the industry (actors, producers etc). Also there have been references to Michael or the hoax in some manner in many films these days. Two that come to mind are Megamind and I think Astroboy if I'm remembering correctly.
That is really interesting about Miramax and Tom Barrack and the Rob Lowe connection as well. Following the trail those connections make is fun. Whether they lead somewhere that makes sense right now or not. :-) thank you for sharing.