Michael Jackson almost never had the "Thriller" music video.
On Feb. 26, 1983, Jackson savored another feat when his album, "Thriller," dominated the US charts. It also had a record-breaking milestone by staying on the top of the charts for 37 non-consecutive weeks until April 14, 1984.
The album featured his hit songs, including "Beat It," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," and "Billie Jean." It also included a single of the same name, which stirred buzz because of its accompanying short film.
Director John Landis helped the late singer create the 14-minute film. His 1981 film "An American Werewolf in London" captured Jackson's attention and gave him the idea of what he wanted to show in the music video.
"He was fascinated by the metamorphosis, by the transformation. He really wanted to turn himself into a monster, that was his desire he loved it... He wanted to turn into a werewolf on four feet, but I said, 'Mike if you're gonna dance it will be hard with four feet.' We decided on a two-legged werewolf,'" the filmmaker recalled.
However, the world almost never saw it because of Jackson's religion.
Why Michael Jackson Wanted To Destroy "Thriller" Video
As a Jehovah's Witness, Jackson suffered condemnation as leaders of the church attacked him over the subject of the video.
His lawyer, John Branca, revealed that he received a call from the singer and told him to destroy the negatives. He noted that Jehovah's Witness called his werewolf video a promotion of demonology.
The "Smooth Criminal" hitmaker then received a warning that the church would excommunicate him.
However, everybody else prevented Branca and Jackson from doing so. The creators ended up keeping the negatives away from the lawyers' office.
On the other hand, the late singer locked himself in his bedroom while feeling distraught over the church's response. He also did not eat for days. But at the same time, he loved the video he created.
Jackson's security chief, Bill Bray, called Landis to finally get the singer out of the room at his Encino estate, Hayvenhurst House.
"Bill and I kicked in the door, knocked it down, and Michael was lying there. He said, 'I feel so bad.' I said, 'Michael, have you eaten?' He hadn't eaten. It was weird. I just said, 'Look, I want you to see a doctor right now,'" Landis went on.
He then assured Jackson that the video was great, so no one would let it be destroyed.
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