Hidden drama in Michael Jackson's life revealed in Searching for Neverland

Navi, as Michale Jackson, raises his hand to the camera in Searching for Neverland — King of Pop impersonator Navi as Michael Jackson in Lifetime’s Searching for Neverland

Hidden drama at the center of Michael Jackson’s life in his final years is revealed tonight in the premiere of new Lifetime movie Searching for Neverland.

The film is based on the book Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, and is told through the eyes of his bodyguards Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.

They reveal how they found themselves not only working to protect him, but also becoming close friends with the megastar.

A scene from Searching for Neverland with Michael at breakfast with his kids, as two bodyguards stand behind him with guns drawn — A dramatic scene from Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland on Lifetime

Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland looks at the musician’s entire life story and in particular the last two years before he passed away in June 2009.

It starts after he returns to the USA after moving to Bahrain following his acquittal over child sex abuse allegations in June 2005.

And it highlights the devotion he gave his own kids, wanting to just be “Mike — the normal American dad” rather than the King of Pop.

Jackson is played in the movie by tribute artist Navi, while Whitfield is played by Chad Coleman and Beard by Sam Adegoke.

Photo of Michael Jackson standing next to his impersonator Navi — Jackson with impersonator Navi, right, who plays him in Searching for Neverland

Navi has impersonated Jackson for the past 24 years. He had previously worked with the star on several occasions, and performed at several of the star’s birthday parties.

Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland airs tonight at 8/7c on Lifetime.