Michael Jackson's legacy continues: according to insiders, "Thriller" is on its way to the big screen. GK Films is in talks to acquire the rights to adapt the iconic music video with Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, This Is It) in the director's chair, and the script centers on "the song's folklore, involving Vincent Price and the town he grew up in." Pardon my skepticism, but isn't touching "Thriller" somewhat sacrilegious? What say you?
Would You See a Stage Production of Thriller?

Producer James L. Nederlander has reportedly acquired the rights to make a stage version of "Thriller," "Michael Jackson's iconic music-video spoof of horror films." The show will use music from the albums Off the Wall and Thriller. Nederlander says, "I love the idea of making 'Thriller' a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?"
I love the song "Thriller" and I somehow never tire of watching people do the dance (be it in the Thrill the World movement or 13 Going on 30 or anyplace else). As opposed to certain other musical news that doesn't seem to make sense, I think "Thriller" might make for a great stage show. What do you think?
The Napoleon Dynamite of the '80s
Remember when Napoleon calmly took the stage in his unfashionable duds and moved awkwardly to the music for all his classmates to see? This chick does exactly that, but in the dark and on public access television. She thrusts, bounces, and masquerades around like some sort of monster out of the "Thriller" vid — but she's got no costume. Just head-to-toe spandex. Which is a far cry from thrilling, trust me. (Thanks, Best Week Ever!)
Fergie, Akon, and Others Contribute to 25th Anniversary Thriller Album
Can you believe it's been more than 25 years since Michael Jackson's hit album Thriller was released? In November of 1982 the album made waves for hosting such wonders as "Billie Jean," Beat It," and, of course, "Thriller," though as Entertainment Weekly points out, not every track was a winner (anyone remember "The Lady in My Life"?). Still, the record continues to hold a proud place in music history as the best-selling album ever.
To commemorate the 25-year mark, Epic/Legacy has released a special edition of the album, featuring remixes and collaborations with Fergie, Akon, will.i.am, and Kanye. There's also a bonus DVD with music videos — including Jackson's first performance of the moonwalk.
This week Jackson released a video thanking fans for the success of Thriller. He added, "There is still much for to come for Michael Jackson," he said. "My passion for music has never stopped . . . It's my hope that Thriller continues to live on for each new generation to discover."
Do you think you'll check out this new edition? Or do you still have your old Thriller from way back when? You can see what you think of Akon's version of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" if you read more
Group Does Thriller Dance on Subway
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Why is my morning commute not this interesting? All people ever do is listen to their iPods, read the paper, and sullenly sip their coffee. Here, a group of talented dancers gets up and does the zombie dance from "Thriller," and all the commuting zombies do is silently stare. What is wrong with you people?!
Thanks, eBaum's World!
Buzz News Roundup, 11/30
- PopSugar shares the news that Reese Witherspoon was the year's top-earning actress, followed by Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz.
- The Kennedy Center will honor Steve Martin this Sunday, Dec. 2, reports Variety.
- According to ComingSoon, HBO will make a Barry Bonds movie based on the book Game of Shadows.
- Reuters has news that Keri Russell will join Adam Sandler in Bedtime Stories, a fantastical family movie directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray).
- The Hollywood Reporter states that John Cusack will go back to doing the psychological thriller thing as he joins the cast of The Factory.
- The 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's album Thriller will be marked with a new edition of the set including remixes by Kanye West, Akon and will.i.am, writes Billboard.
- It's a banner week for Elizabeth Berkeley: Fresh off winning a recurring role on CSI: Miami, she'll also be the host of Bravo's new dance show, according to Variety.
- Pitchfork reports that Portishead will finally release a third album — 10 years after the group's last record.
One Thriller of a Commercial
Gotta love them low-budget commercials, especially when they get their inspiration from Wacko Jacko. Since when do zombies and dead people make good car salesmen? And since when do car salesmen make good recording artists? Since never— that's why this commercial is a real thriller doozy. (And also why I secretly love every second of it!)
Flashback: Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
This was before Michael Jackson became Wacko Jacko. Inspired by George Romero's classic zombie film Night of the Living Dead, this video for "Thriller" combines a film-like narrative, a killer song, amazing dancing, and....zombies! Enjoy.
Start Your Halloween Right — With Thrill the World Videos!
Happy Halloween, Buzz readers!

Last weekend I told you about the Thrill the World movement in which a whole bunch of people worldwide danced Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance at the same time in order to break the world record for the largest simultaneous dance. Now there are dozens of videos from the momentous occasion, bringing us lively group performances of the "Thriller" dance from every corner of the country — and from places like Toronto and Stockholm, as well.
I seriously can't get enough of watching random strangers do this dance, so after the break please enjoy some of my favorite videos from the day. It's just so fun and weirdly heartwarming to watch people do this dance. The power of the Internet! And Michael Jackson.
To watch some of the videos, read more
FABTV: Michael Jackson "Thriller"
Michael Jackson was a true music video innovator. He dominated MTV in the '80s with his cutting edge videos and dance moves. Funnily enough, I was never the biggest fan of his music. But boy sure knew how to put on a good show. Actually, I just lied — I love the song "Billie Jean." But while my favorite MJ song has a cool video, nothing compares to the one for "Thriller."
It is historical, captivating and freakin' scary. While there are a few versions, here's the eight minute one with the long lead in to one of the best group dance scenes in history. You know the one. Get ready to get scared. Have a Fabby Halloween!