Tight Wraps Over Jackson Movie

Sony Pictures Entertainment is keeping a heavy wrap over the Michael Jackson movie project, “MidKnight.” Is it the story of a meek young man by day, who secretly changes into a heroic singing and dancing knight at the stroke of midnight?

A Sony executive declined to comment.

But he did say that the storyline based on Jackson’s idea would encompass elements of action and, of course, music. And that it will be presented in “different” ways not before seen on the screen.

Based on Jackson’s unspectacular track record with film acting (“The Wiz” and in Disneyland’s “Captain EO”) some doubt his ability to carry a full-length feature film of his own. But the Sony executive said that the company sees Jackson’s appeal and the film as a means to link up to the company’s software markets.

Produced by Jon Peters, the former co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment (which is still headed by Peters’ partner Peter Guber) and by Oscar-winning “Batman” set designer Anton Furst, “MidKnight” could go into production in the first half of 1992. The movie would be distributed by the Columbia Pictures division of Sony.

“Now the focus is on the release of Jackson’s new album, but it will shift soon,” the spokesman said.

He called it the “perfect” vehicle for a summertime release, but no target date has been set. Next summer is too soon, and summer 1993 may be too late, he said.