$80 Million Michael Jackson Film Deal Finalized

Columbia Pictures will release a Michael Jackson film in theaters this fall.

The Associated Press confirmed today that the film deal has been finalized and Sony, which owns Columbia, will pay $80 million for the rights to the film, which will include footage from Jackson's final rehearsals in preparation for a comeback tour.

Parties involved now just have to wait for a Los Angeles judge to approve the deal Monday. MTV.com reported that Jackson's mom, Katherine Jackson, will have a chance to raise any objections.

The $80 million deal includes rights to merchandising, product tie-ins, special DVD editions and over 100 hours of rehearsal footage that was to be used during the scheduled comeback shows at 02 arena in London. Some prohibited product tie-ins include alcohol, personal firearms, tobacco, gambling, pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene products.

Columbia must screen the upcoming film for the singer's reps by Oct. 2. The deal requires that the film is rated PG, is no longer than 150 minutes and does not include footage that may cast Jackson in a negative light.