The first look at Lionsgate's "Michael" has dropped, revealing Jaafar Jackson stepping into his uncle's iconic shoes. But getting this film to the big screen has been quite the journey, filled with unexpected detours and complex conversations.
TL;DR
- Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson's nephew) stars as the King of Pop in Lionsgate's highly anticipated biopic, "Michael."
- The first teaser showcases iconic performances and a vibrant look at Jackson's rise, set for an April 24, 2026 release.
- The film has faced production delays and reshoots due to legal issues surrounding past allegations, sparking debate on how it will address controversies.
"I know you've been waiting a long time for this," legendary producer Quincy Jones (played by Kendrick Sampson) tells Michael Jackson in the newly released teaser for the upcoming biopic, Michael. It's a line that feels almost as if it's speaking directly to fans who have been eagerly anticipating this film since its development began in 2019.
That wait is definitely over, at least for a first glimpse. Lionsgate recently dropped the initial teaser trailer, giving us our very first look at Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew, channeling his uncle on the big screen. And from what we can see, it's quite the transformation.
Capturing the Electrifying Essence of Michael Jackson's Performances
The brief teaser packs a punch, showcasing several iconic moments from the King of Pop's illustrious career. We see Jaafar Jackson prepping for a massive show at Dodger Stadium, a thrilling recreation of the "Thriller" music video, and a scene in the studio where Quincy Jones tells a focused Michael, "in here, keep those feet still, my man."
Music is, of course, at the heart of it all. The teaser features snippets of "Thriller" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," setting an energetic tone. Early responses from Lionsgate executives, like Adam Fogelson, have noted "wild enthusiasm" for Jaafar's performance, even in this short preview. Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Michael' Biopic: Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Debuts His King of Pop in First Footage," November 6, 2025.
The Talented Team Bringing Michael's Story to Life
This ambitious biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his work on action-packed films like Training Day and The Equalizer. The script comes from three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, whose credits include Gladiator and The Aviator. Together, they're aiming to deliver a cinematic portrayal of Jackson's life and legacy that goes "beyond the music," tracing his journey from the Jackson Five to becoming a global icon.
The cast list for Michael is pretty stellar, featuring some big names alongside Jaafar Jackson's feature film debut:
- Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson (Michael's father)
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson (Michael's mother)
- Miles Teller as John Branca (entertainment lawyer)
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe (music executive)
- Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones (producer)
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
- Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran
Oscar-winning producer Graham King, known for his work on Bohemian Rhapsody, is also on board, along with John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Jackson estate. This producing team suggests a grand, performance-driven approach, similar to the Queen biopic. Source: Rolling Stone, "Michael Jackson Biopic Teaser Is Relentlessly Upbeat, Despite Controversy," November 6, 2025.
Navigating the Complexities: Production Delays and Legal Roadblocks
Getting Michael to the screen hasn't been a smooth moonwalk. The film was originally slated for an April 2025 release, then pushed to October 2025, and now finally set for April 24, 2026. These delays stemmed from significant production challenges, most notably a "massive legal snafu" involving a previous child molestation accusation.
Reports indicate that the original script included the 1993 allegations made by Jordan Chandler. However, a settlement in that case reportedly contained a clause prohibiting the dramatization of the Chandler family's story. This crucial detail was reportedly overlooked by the Jackson estate during the script approval process, leading to extensive reshoots of the film's third act after principal photography had already wrapped in May 2024. Source: CNN, "Michael Jackson biopic teaser trailer dances into the making of the King of Pop," November 6, 2025.
This situation forced filmmakers to completely retool parts of the movie, leading to its indefinite delay for months. Footage that was confidently teased at CinemaCon in 2024 was conspicuously absent in the spring of 2025 as these significant reworkings took place. It's a prime example of how real-world legal agreements can dramatically impact a film's narrative and timeline.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Humanizing vs. Sanitizing
A major question surrounding Michael is how it will handle the controversies that shadowed the later years of Jackson's life. The official synopsis states the film will tell his story "beyond the music," offering "a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before." Producer Graham King has also weighed in on this delicate balance.
"Michael’s life was complicated. As a film-maker, I look to humanize but not sanitise and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it. Michael clearly remains an impactful, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.”
— Graham King, Producer (Source: The Guardian, "Michael: first trailer unveiled for controversial Michael Jackson biopic," November 6, 2025)
However, the idea of an "unbiased" portrayal has already faced scrutiny. Dan Reed, director of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, criticized an early draft of the script as "startlingly disingenuous," claiming it allegedly discredited accusers. Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, also publicly distanced herself from the project. While Colman Domingo (who plays Joe Jackson) initially stated Paris and Prince were "very much in support," Paris quickly refuted this on Instagram.
She clarified that she had "zero percent involvement" and had provided notes on an early script draft regarding elements that were "dishonest/didn't sit right with me." When these concerns weren't addressed, she "moved on with my life." Paris added that she believed 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: Vulture, "The Michael Jackson Biopic Teaser Trailer Dances Into the Making of the King of Pop," November 6, 2025.
It's important to note that the Jackson estate has consistently denied all allegations against Michael Jackson since his lifetime, and his family members continue to do so. Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in a 2005 criminal trial. Recent reports also mention a $2.5 million settlement with a separate set of accusers this year, and a negligence lawsuit by Wade Robson and James Safechuck (featured in Leaving Neverland) is scheduled for trial in 2026. These ongoing legal and public discussions add layers of complexity to any portrayal of Jackson's life.
What This Means for the Future of the King of Pop's Legacy on Screen
With a reported budget of $155 million, Michael is a substantial investment for Lionsgate. While some recent music biopics, like a Bruce Springsteen film, have seen disappointing box office returns, the unparalleled global recognition of Michael Jackson could make this a massive success. The film is set to hit theaters and Imax on April 24, 2026, positioning it as one of the potential blockbusters of that year.
Example: Imagine a lifelong Michael Jackson fan, let's call her Sarah, who grew up meticulously learning every dance move from "Billie Jean" and "Smooth Criminal." She remembers the thrill of his music and the shock of his later controversies. When she saw the first teaser for "Michael," her heart raced at Jaafar's uncanny resemblance and dance moves, but a part of her also wondered if the film would finally offer a full, unvarnished look at his complex life, or just echo the sanitized versions she'd heard before. The news of the reshoots and the estate's involvement left her curious, but also a little apprehensive about what kind of story she'd actually get.
There have also been whispers from Lionsgate execs, like Adam Fogelson, about the possibility of expanding Michael's story into a two-part feature. While no official confirmation has been made, Fogelson told analysts 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." This suggests the current April 2026 release might just be the beginning of a larger cinematic exploration of the King of Pop. Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "'Michael' Biopic Likely To Be Expanded Into Two Features, Says Lionsgate," November 6, 2025.
Your Practical Takeaways for the Michael Jackson Biopic
- Expect a visually stunning, performance-driven film centered on Michael Jackson's musical artistry and rise to superstardom, fueled by his nephew Jaafar Jackson's debut.
- Prepare for a narrative that primarily focuses on his iconic career and early life, with the handling of his later controversies likely to be a nuanced (and debated) aspect of the film.
- Keep an eye out for updates on whether "Michael" will indeed expand into a multi-part cinematic event, as hinted by Lionsgate executives.
- Mark your calendars for an April 24, 2026 theatrical release to experience this highly anticipated look at the King of Pop's life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Michael Jackson Biopic
When does the "Michael" biopic release? The Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 24, 2026. Who plays Michael Jackson in the new movie? Michael Jackson's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is making his feature film debut in the lead role. Will the "Michael" movie address the controversies? The filmmakers have stated their intent to "humanize but not sanitise" Jackson's life, aiming for an "unbiased" story. However, due to legal settlements, specific past allegations (like the Jordan Chandler case) cannot be dramatized, and certain portrayals have drawn criticism from Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, and documentarian Dan Reed. Will there be a second "Michael" film? Lionsgate executives have hinted at plans to "deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film," suggesting the possibility of the biopic being split into two parts, though this is not yet officially confirmed.Sources
- IndieWire, "Michael' Teaser: Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson Biopic First Look Is a Thriller," November 6, 2025.
- CNN, "Michael Jackson biopic teaser trailer dances into the making of the King of Pop," November 6, 2025.
- The Hollywood Reporter, "'Michael' Biopic Likely To Be Expanded Into Two Features, Says Lionsgate," November 6, 2025.
- The Hollywood Reporter, "'Michael' Biopic: Michael Jackson Nephew Jaafar Debuts His King of Pop in First Footage," November 6, 2025.
- The Guardian, "Michael: first trailer unveiled for controversial Michael Jackson biopic," November 6, 2025.
- Vulture, "The Michael Jackson Biopic Teaser Trailer Dances Into the Making of the King of Pop," November 6, 2025.
- Rolling Stone, "Michael Jackson Biopic Teaser Is Relentlessly Upbeat, Despite Controversy," November 6, 2025.