We can add one more name to the never ending saga of Michael Jackson, and it’s a famous Hollywood moniker: Wolper.
It turns out that in his quest to monetize his purchase of all that Jackson memorabilia, Toronto online entrepreneur Howard Mann has enlisted Mark and Michael Wolper, the sons of famed television and movie producer David Wolper.
Even though no deal has been struck officially, Michael Wolper told me yesterday that he and his brother are exploring ways to help Mann use the rights he think he’s gained through the purchase of a warehouse of Jackson family possessions. Mann is certain that he now has various rights because he possesses documents, recordings, and videos.
Mann, however, may be in for some fight from Michael Jackson’s estate. It’s more than likely that Jackson’s executors will counter that they control his likeness and image.
Nevertheless, Michael Wolper says the main ideas being discussed right now are Michael Jackson and Jackson family biopics.
In case you don’t know, David Wolper, now 82, is a titan in TV, especially. His credits include “Roots,” “The Thorn Birds,” and “North and South.” He won the honorary Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, from the Academy in 1985.
