Michael Jackson is synonymous with the iconic dance moves in his 1983 hit Thriller, but choreographer Vincent Paterson has claimed that the King of Pop did not create the famous choreography himself. In an interview with The Sun, Paterson, 76, alleged that the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic misrepresented the creative process behind the legendary music video by omitting choreographer Michael Peters, who actually developed the dance concept based on Jackson’s vision. Deeply upset by the omission, Paterson says he wants to ensure Peters receives the recognition he deserves.Paterson, who worked closely with Jackson for nearly two decades, collaborated with choreographer Michael Peters and filmmaker John Landis on the making of Thriller. According to him, Peters was responsible for creating the choreography, while Jackson worked closely with him to perfect the movements.Reacting to the portrayal in the Michael Jackson biopic, Paterson said the film created a misleading impression that Jackson independently masterminded the entire project, including its dance sequences.“Michael Peters, not Michael Jackson, created the choreography for Thriller based on his ideas,” Paterson told The Sun.He further alleged that Peters had been “wiped from history” in the film and expressed concern that younger audiences watching the biopic might never learn about the choreographer’s contribution.“The film wiped Michael Peters, who was a great mentor, from history and I just don’t want his name to be forgotten,” he said.
Paterson says he was deeply upset by the biopic’s portrayal
Paterson says Michael Peters was ‘wiped from history’ in the Michael Jackson biopic. (Photo: YouTube)
Paterson revealed that watching the film prompted him to contact people associated with Thriller to ensure that Peters’ contribution continued to be acknowledged.He believes the story of Jackson learning from an exceptionally talented choreographer would have offered a richer and more meaningful portrayal of the singer.“The story is much more interesting than the fantasy that they wanted to create in parts of the movie,” he said.Paterson also emphasised that acknowledging Peters’ contribution would not diminish Jackson’s achievements. Instead, it would highlight the singer’s willingness to collaborate with talented people and learn from them.He explained that Jackson was initially quiet during the choreography sessions, carefully observing Peters and absorbing his instructions. The singer was particularly concerned that the dancers looked like zombies and appeared genuinely frightening.However, once he understood the movements, Jackson became extremely dedicated to perfecting them. Paterson recalled how the singer would spend hours practising in front of a mirror until every movement appeared natural.He said Jackson eventually became so comfortable with the choreography that audiences could easily assume he had invented the moves himself.
Thriller was not originally intended as a Halloween release
Vincent Paterson reveals he was deeply upset over the film allegedly overlooking Michael Peters’ contribution to Thriller. (Photo: YouTube)
Paterson also revealed that Thriller was never specifically conceived as a Halloween project, despite becoming one of the most recognisable Halloween traditions around the world.The idea emerged from Jackson’s love for horror films and his admiration for John Landis, who had directed An American Werewolf in London. Jackson wanted to collaborate with Landis on a horror-inspired musical project.Paterson pointed out that Jackson, who was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, did not celebrate Halloween.“It wasn’t particularly lined up for Halloween. It was just a horror kind of movie idea,” he said.He added that Jackson was thrilled by the video’s extraordinary success and the way fans across the world began copying its dance moves.
Vincent Paterson’s long association with Michael Jackson
Paterson collaborated with Jackson for around two decades and was involved in several landmark performances and projects during the singer’s career. His contributions included directing Smooth Criminal, co-directing and choreographing the Bad World Tour, and working on Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show and Grammy Awards performances.Apart from Jackson, Paterson has also worked with international stars such as Madonna and Paul McCartney. His film choreography credits include Evita, The Birdcage and Dancer in the Dark.Paterson spoke about his association with Jackson and the Thriller controversy ahead of receiving the Legacy Award at the 2026 World Choreography Awards, held on November 8. The honour recognises his contributions to dance and choreography.Expressing gratitude for the recognition, he said, “I’m not someone who’s received many awards in my life. It’s overwhelming and I’m so appreciative. It’s a beautiful thing.”For Paterson, however, ensuring that Michael Peters’ contribution to one of the most influential music videos in history is remembered remains equally important.