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RETURN TO NEVERLAND

Inside Michael Jackson’s revamped Neverland theme park as it’s brought back to life for film featuring star’s nephew

The complex fell into disuse after Jackson left it in 2005.

SINGER Michael Jackson’s Neverland theme park has been brought back to life for a film on the life of the late King of Pop.

Fairground rides appear to have been repainted and the lush landscaping restored at the private amusement complex.

Michael Jackson’s Neverland theme park has been brought back to life, pictured this year
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Michael Jackson’s Neverland theme park has been brought back to life, pictured this yearCredit: Splash
The theme park was re-built for a film, pictured the complex in 1993
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The theme park was re-built for a film, pictured the complex in 1993Credit: Getty
Michael Jackson's 27-year-old nephew Jaafar
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Michael Jackson's 27-year-old nephew JaafarCredit: AP
Michael Jackson at the American Cinema Award gala in Beverly Hills in 1987
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Michael Jackson at the American Cinema Award gala in Beverly Hills in 1987Credit: AP

It was a hive of activity as scenes were shot for “Michael”, which will star his 27-year-old nephew Jaafar, as Jackson.

It is due out next year.

The ranch, in Santa Barbara, California, was named after Peter Pan’s fairytale home.

It fell into disuse after Jackson left it in 2005.

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The star cleared out shortly after he was acquitted of child abuse charges.

It was bought by US billionaire Ron Burkle in 2020 for almost £18million.

A spokesperson who had also served as Jackson's financial adviser told The New York Times that Burkle had viewed the home as an investment.

There was initial speculation that the Neverland estate would be memorialized in Jackson's memory, much like Elvis Presley's Graceland home, but was placed on the market in 2016.

The house was originally listed for $100million and dropped to $67million the following year.

Aerial photos show the private amusement complex has been revamped
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Aerial photos show the private amusement complex has been revampedCredit: Splash
Scenes for a film on the life of the late King of Pop were shot at the park
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Scenes for a film on the life of the late King of Pop were shot at the parkCredit: Splash
The photos show that colourful fairground rides have returned to the grounds
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The photos show that colourful fairground rides have returned to the groundsCredit: Splash
The park was a hive of activity as the film was being shot
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The park was a hive of activity as the film was being shotCredit: Splash
Neverland’s enormous red and white circus tent has been recreated
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Neverland’s enormous red and white circus tent has been recreatedCredit: Splash
The area seemed closed off due to filming
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The area seemed closed off due to filmingCredit: Splash
Jaafar plays late singer Jackson in the biopic
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Jaafar plays late singer Jackson in the biopicCredit: Splash
The ranch was named after Peter Pan’s fairytale home
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The ranch was named after Peter Pan’s fairytale homeCredit: Splash
Neverland is located in Santa Barbara, California
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Neverland is located in Santa Barbara, CaliforniaCredit: Splash
The park fell into disuse after Jackson left it in 2005
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The park fell into disuse after Jackson left it in 2005Credit: Splash
But US billionaire Ron Burkle bought it in 2020 for almost £18million
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But US billionaire Ron Burkle bought it in 2020 for almost £18millionCredit: Splash
Michael Jackson’s closest pals release twisted Amazon doc slamming Leaving Neverland accusers as ‘liars, money-grabbers and perjurers’
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