Filmmaker J.J. Abrams is adapting a new book about Michael Jackson for television with TV and radio host Tavis Smiley, co-author of the book.

Michael Jackson prepares to enter the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to hear the verdict read in his child molestation case June 13, 2005. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson prepares to enter the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to hear the verdict read in his child molestation case June 13, 2005. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images)
loading...

Smiley's company said Monday that Warner Bros. Television is on board the project with Smiley and Abrams.

The book, "Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Last Days," will be published Tuesday by Little, Brown and Co.

Written by Smiley and David Ritz, it's described as a novelistic take on the pop star's final months.

Jackson, on the brink of a career comeback, died in June 2009 from an overdose of sedatives.

Abrams and Smiley will be executive producers on the TV series. A premier date and network that will air it wasn't announced.

Abrams' credits include "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" movies.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM