The first look at Lionsgate's upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic, "Michael," just dropped, and it's clear the King of Pop still reigns supreme, breaking studio records for trailer views.
TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know
- The initial teaser trailer for "Michael" racked up an astounding 116.2 million global views within its first 24 hours, making it Lionsgate's biggest trailer debut ever and the most-watched music biopic trailer in history.
- Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stars as the iconic performer, with early reactions to his portrayal generating significant buzz.
- While aiming to "humanize but not sanitise," the film's portrayal of Jackson's life has already sparked discussion, with some notable figures expressing skepticism regarding its narrative scope.
The King of Pop's Legacy Continues to Captivate and Command Attention
Imagine a movie trailer hitting the internet and instantly blowing past blockbusters like "John Wick: Chapter 4" and even massive concert films. That's exactly what happened when the first teaser for "Michael," the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, premiered. Lionsgate revealed that the trailer garnered over 30 million views in its initial six hours online. This phenomenal reception quickly escalated, reaching a staggering 116.2 million global views within its first 24 hours.
This isn't just a big number; it's a historic one. According to WaveMetrix data, it marks Lionsgate’s largest 24-hour trailer launch ever and stands as the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic or concert movie in motion picture history. For perspective, it outstripped the first 24-hour global trailer traffic of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" (96.1 million views) and "Bohemian Rhapsody" (57.6 million views). Source: [Deadline, ‘Michael’ Teaser Traffic Racks Up 116M+ Views In First 24 Hours, Record Trailer Launch For Lionsgate, November 8, 2025]. The message is loud and clear: Michael Jackson's story remains an irresistible draw for audiences worldwide.
A Nephew Steps Into the King of Pop's Iconic Shoes
The trailer opens with a compelling scene: Jackson in the studio alongside legendary producer Quincy Jones, who sets the stage by saying, "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." What follows is a whirlwind of iconic imagery, set to a medley of hits like "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Beat It."
At the heart of this visual spectacle is Jaafar Jackson, Michael's own nephew, taking on the monumental lead role. From recreating Jackson's signature moonwalk to channeling the "Thriller" choreography, Jaafar's resemblance and performance are already generating massive buzz. Director Antoine Fuqua, known for films like "Training Day" and "The Equalizer" series, has called this project deeply personal, a sentiment that resonates through the trailer's impactful visuals. Source: [Variety, ‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Becomes the King of Pop in First Footage From Biopic, November 6, 2025].
Director Antoine Fuqua on Michael Jackson:
"For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work—the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible."
— Antoine Fuqua (via Variety)
Bringing Michael's Early Journey to the Big Screen
The film's official synopsis promises to "tell the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world." It specifically highlights "his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career," suggesting a focus on his rise to unparalleled stardom. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Michael’ Teaser Traffic Racks Up 116M+ Views In First 24 Hours, Record Trailer Launch For Lionsgate, November 8, 2025].
While reports initially suggested the film might be split into two parts due to its length and complex subject matter, the first trailer presents it as one cohesive movie. However, Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson hinted that the creative team is "hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film," indicating that a potential sequel or additional content is definitely on the studio's radar. This approach allows the first film to explore Jackson’s journey up to (and potentially through) the Bad era, as some fans speculate, leaving later years for a possible future installment.
Star-Studded Cast Promises Captivating Performances
Beyond Jaafar Jackson's compelling turn as Michael, the biopic boasts an impressive ensemble cast bringing other key figures from Jackson’s life to the screen:
- Miles Teller as attorney John Branca
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson (Michael's father)
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson (Michael's mother)
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
- Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael Jackson
- Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
- Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
- Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark
- KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray
Addressing the Nuances: Controversy and Artistic Choices
It's impossible to tell Michael Jackson's story without acknowledging the complexities. Producer Graham King has stated the project aims to "humanise but not sanitise," presenting "the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture." However, this approach has faced scrutiny. Dan Reed, director of the "Leaving Neverland" documentary, reportedly reviewed an early script and found it "startlingly disingenuous," alleging it discredited accusers. Source: [The Guardian, Michael: first trailer unveiled for controversial Michael Jackson biopic, November 7, 2025].
Further adding to the conversation, Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, publicly distanced herself from claims of her involvement, stating she had "zero percent involvement" in the film. She mentioned giving notes on an early draft for "what was dishonest/didn’t sit right with me" but moved on when they weren't addressed. Paris candidly remarked that "the film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it." Source: [The Guardian, Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris criticises ‘sugar-coated’ biopic about her father, November 7, 2025]. This highlights the tightrope the filmmakers are walking between celebratory tribute and comprehensive biography.
Even the film's official poster has drawn mixed reactions. While the "Michael" logo received praise for its regal gold design and clean font, the overall composition—featuring a collage of four Michaels from different eras—struck some fans and designers as "underwhelming" and resembling "fan art." Critics argued that for an artist as visually iconic as Michael Jackson, the marketing materials should match his "stratospheric" standard for impact and drama. Source: [MJVibe.com, The “MICHAEL” Movie Poster: A Missed Opportunity for the King of Pop, November 7, 2025]. It's a testament to the passionate fanbase that every detail is scrutinized with such intensity.
What This Means for the Future of Music Biopics
The record-breaking trailer views for "Michael" clearly signal a massive public appetite for stories about music legends, especially the King of Pop. This comes at a time when other music biopics have seen varied box office success, such as the Bruce Springsteen biopic, "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," which reportedly struggled at the box office with only $31 million since its release. This makes "Michael"'s initial reception even more significant, setting a high bar for its theatrical performance.
For example: Imagine a long-time Michael Jackson fan, let's call her Sarah, who grew up meticulously collecting his albums and watching his music videos on repeat. She's seen countless documentaries and read books, but always longed for a cinematic portrayal that truly captured his artistry. The moment the trailer dropped, Sarah—and millions like her—rushed to watch, dissecting every frame. While thrilled by Jaafar's moves, she also felt a pang of concern after reading Paris Jackson's comments, wondering if the film would truly give a full picture or lean too heavily into a polished narrative. This mix of excitement and cautious optimism is exactly what "Michael" is navigating.
The film, written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan ("Gladiator," "The Aviator") and produced by Graham King (who also produced "Bohemian Rhapsody"), is slated to hit theaters on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, with Universal distributing in most other global markets, ensuring a worldwide rollout for this highly anticipated event.
Your Key Takeaways for the Michael Jackson Biopic
- Prepare for a Phenomenon: The "Michael" trailer's record-shattering views confirm this film is a major cultural event.
- Witness an Authentic Portrayal (Visually): Jaafar Jackson's uncanny resemblance and dance skills are impressing viewers, offering a convincing visual of the King of Pop.
- Expect a Focused Narrative: The first film will delve into Jackson's rise from the Jackson Five to global icon, primarily covering his early solo career.
- Be Mindful of the Discussions: The film's approach to Jackson's complex life is already sparking debate, inviting audiences to form their own conclusions.
- Mark Your Calendars: Clear your schedule for April 24, 2026, when "Michael" arrives in theaters globally.
Frequently Asked Questions About "Michael"
When is the "Michael" biopic being released? "Michael" is scheduled to hit theaters on April 24, 2026.
Who plays Michael Jackson in the new biopic? Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays the King of Pop, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying a young Michael.
What is the main focus of the "Michael" movie? The film will trace Michael Jackson's journey from his early days with the Jackson Five to becoming a global superstar, highlighting his life off-stage and iconic early solo performances.
Will the "Michael" biopic address the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson? Producer Graham King stated the film aims to "humanise but not sanitise" Michael Jackson. However, early script reviews and comments from Paris Jackson suggest differing perspectives on how comprehensively the film will address controversial aspects of his life.
Sources
[Deadline, ‘Michael’ Teaser Traffic Racks Up 116M+ Views In First 24 Hours, Record Trailer Launch For Lionsgate, November 8, 2025] - https://deadline.com/2025/11/michael-michael-jackson-biopic-teaser-trailer-record-views-lionsgate-1236618451/
[The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Michael’ Teaser Traffic Racks Up 116M+ Views In First 24 Hours, Record Trailer Launch For Lionsgate, November 8, 2025] - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/michael-trailer-record-views-1236618451/
[Variety, ‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Becomes the King of Pop in First Footage From Biopic, November 6, 2025] - https://variety.com/2025/film/news/michael-jackson-biopic-trailer-1236615801/
[No Film School, The Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Just Broke Records, November 7, 2025] - https://nofilmschool.com/michael-jackson-biopic-trailer-broke-records
[IGN, Debut Trailer for Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic Gets Huge Views in First 6 Hours, November 7, 2025] - https://www.ign.com/articles/michael-jackson-biopic-trailer-views
[The Guardian, Michael: first trailer unveiled for controversial Michael Jackson biopic, November 7, 2025] - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/07/michael-first-trailer-unveiled-for-controversial-michael-jackson-biopic
[The Guardian, Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris criticises ‘sugar-coated’ biopic about her father, November 7, 2025] - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/07/michael-jackson-daughter-paris-criticises-sugar-coated-biopic-father
[MJVibe.com, The “MICHAEL” Movie Poster: A Missed Opportunity for the King of Pop, November 7, 2025] - https://www.mjvibe.com/the-michael-movie-poster-a-missed-opportunity-for-the-king-of-pop/
[Pajiba, The Teaser for the Michael Jackson Biopic Has Arrived, November 6, 2025] - https://www.pajiba.com/film_reviews/the-teaser-for-the-michael-jackson-biopic-has-arrived.php