What became of Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee Bubbles?

Michael Jackson was widely known for his deep affection for animals, and among his most famous companions was his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles. The animal, once a constant presence in the pop icon’s life, has also been portrayed in CGI form in the upcoming biographical film Michael.

However, contrary to what some may assume, Bubbles is still alive today. The chimpanzee has been residing for over two decades at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida, where he continues to live under specialised care alongside other rescued primates.

The filmmakers behind Michael, distributed by Lionsgate, clarified their creative choice to depict Bubbles using computer-generated imagery rather than a live animal. In a statement shared with Variety, the studio said it had engaged in ongoing discussions with animal rights organisation PETA regarding the representation of Bubbles.

The statement emphasised that the film’s portrayal is based on historical events and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets. The production team highlighted that the intention was to reflect a factual aspect of Michael Jackson’s life while avoiding the use of real animals in potentially unsuitable environments.

Director Antoine Fuqua also opted for CGI in other scenes involving animals, including depictions of a llama, giraffe and python, as part of a broader decision to rely on visual effects rather than live animals for the film’s production.

Bubbles originally came into Michael Jackson’s care after being rescued from a research facility in the 1980s. The chimpanzee famously accompanied the singer on tour and even attended personal events, including being present as a guest at lawyer John Branca’s wedding.

The upcoming film Michael, which stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long, has also drawn attention for its narrative choices. The cast has recently addressed public curiosity over the film’s decision not to delve into the child molestation allegations that surrounded Jackson during his lifetime, a topic that continues to spark debate around his legacy.