"I Know You've Been Waiting a Long Time for This": First Look at the Michael Jackson Biopic Arrives

The highly anticipated trailer for "Michael," the upcoming biopic on the King of Pop, has finally dropped, offering fans a glimpse of Jaafar Jackson embodying his iconic uncle and sparking fresh conversations about the film's scope.

TL;DR

• The first trailer for "Michael," starring Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, was released on November 6, 2025, showcasing iconic performances and studio moments.
• The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is slated for an April 24, 2026 release after significant production delays and reshoots.
• While the trailer focuses on Jackson's rise to stardom, the biopic navigates a complex path, including controversy over how it will address allegations against the star, with Paris Jackson expressing concerns about early script drafts.

Stepping into the Shoes of the King of Pop: A Cinematic Reveal

"I know you've been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let's take it from the top." These lines, spoken by Kendrick Sampson as legendary producer Quincy Jones in the newly released trailer for "Michael," perfectly encapsulate the anticipation surrounding the Michael Jackson Biopic (Source: Variety, Nov 6, 2025). Fans globally have indeed been waiting for a substantial look at this film, and Lionsgate delivered on November 6, 2025, offering a minute-long preview of Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, transforming into the King of Pop.

The teaser, which will make its theatrical debut ahead of "Now You See Me: Now You Don't," immediately plunges viewers into Jackson's world. We see glimpses of his childhood, iconic performances, and moments in the studio. Jaafar Jackson embodies his uncle, recreating famous moves like the Moonwalk and scenes from the "Thriller" music video, all set to the powerful beats of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" (Source: CNN, Nov 6, 2025).

A Glimpse at the Star-Studded Ensemble Bringing the Story to Life

The film boasts an impressive cast tasked with portraying the key figures in Michael Jackson's life and career. Jaafar Jackson takes on the challenging lead role, a decision that adds a unique family connection to the portrayal. Joining him are several prominent actors filling crucial parts:

• Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson's attorney and adviser.
• Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael's father.
• Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother.
• Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, his sister.
• Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.
• Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering music executive.
• Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
• Liv Symone as Gladys Knight.
• Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark.
• KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Jackson's trusted security-turned-friend.
• Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, who first met Jackson when he was 12.

This ensemble promises a detailed look at the many influential relationships that shaped Jackson's journey from a child star to a global phenomenon (Source: Deadline, Nov 6, 2025).

Navigating the Twists and Turns of Production: From Delays to Reshoots

The path to bringing "Michael" to the screen has been far from smooth. Originally eyed for a spring 2025 release, the film saw its debut pushed back to October 3, 2025, and then again to its current slot of April 24, 2026 (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Nov 6, 2025). These delays weren't arbitrary; they stemmed from significant production challenges.

While principal photography wrapped in May 2024, the film required extensive reshoots—reportedly 22 days of additional photography in June 2025 (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Nov 6, 2025). The reason? A "massive roadblock" involving a legal settlement related to the 1993 child molestation allegations made by Jordan Chandler. A clause in that settlement agreement reportedly prohibited the dramatization of the Chandler family's story, a detail the film's creative team was apparently unaware of until after shooting was complete (Source: CNN, Nov 6, 2025). This oversight meant the initial version of the script, which reportedly depicted the Chandlers as "money-grubbing," had to be reworked, requiring parts of the film's third act to be completely reshot (Source: Vulture, Nov 6, 2025).

The Unspoken Challenges and the Search for an "Unbiased" Narrative

The controversies surrounding Michael Jackson have long been a focal point of public discourse, and the biopic's approach to these sensitive topics has been a major point of discussion even before the trailer's release. While the released footage prominently features his artistic triumphs, it notably omits any direct mention of his well-publicized legal troubles. The film's synopsis states it will explore Jackson's "life beyond the music" and highlight "both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career" (Source: IndieWire, Nov 6, 2025).

Producers, including the Jackson family estate, have stated their intention to tell an "unbiased" story, encompassing his "undeniable creative genius," "human side," and "personal struggles" (Source: InStyle, Nov 6, 2025). However, achieving this balance is a delicate act, especially given the estate's involvement. This presents a clear tradeoff: their approval can lend authenticity in some areas, but it also raises questions about editorial independence regarding more contentious aspects of Jackson's life.

"People think they know me, but they don't... Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me."

— Michael Jackson (Source: Esquire, Nov 6, 2025, referencing "Living with Michael Jackson" documentary)

Daughter's Perspective and the Fan's Dilemma

Adding another layer of complexity, Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, has publicly distanced herself from the film's creative process. While Colman Domingo initially suggested Paris and Prince were "very much in support" of the film, Paris later clarified her "zero percent involvement." She stated she read an early script draft, provided notes on what "was dishonest/didn't sit right with me," and moved on when those notes weren't addressed. She further indicated that a "big section" of the film "panders to a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in the fantasy" (Source: Vulture, Nov 6, 2025). This raises a valid counterpoint to the "unbiased" claim, suggesting that the film's narrative might lean heavily towards a celebratory portrayal, potentially downplaying or omitting the darker aspects of his life.

Consider a scenario: A lifelong fan, Sarah, has followed Michael Jackson's career through every triumph and tribulation. She eagerly awaits this biopic, hoping for a comprehensive, unflinching look at the artist she admires. The trailer, full of electrifying performances, excites her, but Paris Jackson's comments echo her own lingering questions about the film's depth. Sarah understands the complexities of cinematic storytelling, but she also wants a narrative that acknowledges the full spectrum of Jackson's reality, not just the "King of Pop" persona. She grapples with whether the film can truly honor his legacy without fully addressing the controversies that defined his later years.

What This Means for Viewers: Anticipation Meets Nuance

The emergence of the "Michael" trailer signifies a major milestone, confirming that the long-gestating project is indeed nearing completion and offering a vivid preview of Jaafar Jackson's transformative performance. It reaffirms the film's intent to highlight Jackson's unparalleled artistry and his ascent to global superstardom, from his early days with the Jackson Five to his visionary solo career.

However, the journey to the screen has been fraught with legal and narrative challenges, specifically concerning how the film will portray the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. While the producers aim for an "unbiased" look at his entire life, including personal struggles, the substantial reshoots due to legal constraints on dramatizing specific allegations and Paris Jackson's public comments introduce a crucial nuance. Viewers should anticipate a film that celebrates the musical genius while carefully navigating the more difficult chapters, likely leaving some questions unanswered about the full breadth of his life beyond the music (Source: Playbill, Nov 06, 2025).

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the Michael Jackson Biopic When is "Michael" being released? "Michael" is set to be released in theaters on April 24, 2026. Who plays Michael Jackson in the biopic? Michael Jackson is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Will the movie address the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson? The film's approach to the controversies remains largely unclear. While producers state an aim for an "unbiased" story, legal restrictions and reshoots regarding specific allegations, as well as comments from Paris Jackson, suggest a nuanced, potentially selective, portrayal of these aspects. Who is directing "Michael"? The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for "Training Day" and "The Equalizer" films. Practical Takeaways for Anticipating the "Michael" Biopic

• Mark your calendars for April 24, 2026, but expect a narrative focused heavily on Jackson's musical journey and early solo career.
• Be prepared for a film that may not delve deeply into every aspect of Jackson's personal controversies, given the production challenges and legal limitations mentioned in reports.
• Look forward to Jaafar Jackson's performance, which the trailer suggests is a committed and physically transformative portrayal of his uncle.
• Consider the film as one perspective, largely approved by the estate, and perhaps complementing rather than replacing broader discussions about Michael Jackson's complex legacy.

Sources

• CNN, "Michael Jackson biopic teaser trailer dances into the making of the King of Pop," Lisa Respers France, Nov 6, 2025.
• Deadline, "Lionsgate Releases First Trailer For Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Starring Nephew Jaafar Jackson," Andreas Wiseman, Nov 6, 2025.
• Esquire, "Michael Jackson Once Said, 'It Hurts to Be Me'," Nov 6, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Jaafar Jackson Shows Off Dance Moves in First ‘Michael’ Biopic Teaser," Etan Vlessing, Nov 6, 2025.
• IndieWire, "‘Michael’ Teaser: Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson Biopic First Look Is a Thriller," Brian Welk, Nov 6, 2025.
• InStyle, "Everything We Know About the Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Starring His Nephew Jaafar Jackson," Nov 6, 2025.
• Playbill, "See Jaafar Jackson Portray His Uncle Michael Jackson in the First Michael Teaser," Diep Tran, Nov 06, 2025.
• Variety, "‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Becomes the King of Pop in First Footage From Biopic," Jack Dunn, Ellise Shafer, Nov 6, 2025.
• Vulture, "The Michael Jackson Biopic Is Estate-Approved," Nov 6, 2025.