Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Drops: Your First Look at "Michael" is Here!

The highly anticipated biopic "Michael" just dropped its first teaser, giving fans a electrifying glimpse of Jaafar Jackson stepping into his uncle's iconic shoes. Get ready to moonwalk into theaters because this film has a release date, a star-studded cast, and quite a story behind its making!

TL;DR

• The first trailer for "Michael," the Michael Jackson biopic, premiered on November 6, 2025, online and will hit theaters next week.
• Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew, stars as the King of Pop, with a theatrical release set for April 24, 2026.
• The film aims to "humanize but not sanitize" Jackson's life, though production faced legal hurdles, forcing script changes around child molestation allegations.

Stepping into the Shoes of a Legend: What the Teaser Reveals

Remember that first electrifying moment you saw Michael Jackson moonwalk? Or the instant "Thriller" started and you knew you were in for something legendary? Well, a new film aims to recapture that magic, but getting there has been anything but smooth.

Lionsgate finally pulled back the curtain on its much-talked-about Michael Jackson Biopic, simply titled "Michael," releasing the first teaser trailer on November 6, 2025. This isn't just any ordinary trailer drop; it's a peek into a project that has navigated significant creative and legal challenges. The teaser will also debut in theaters next week, attached to "Now You See Me: Now You Don’t," giving moviegoers an early look on the big screen.

The minute-long preview kicks off in the recording studio, with Kendrick Sampson playing the legendary producer Quincy Jones, telling a young Michael, "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." From there, we're treated to a whirlwind of instantly recognizable references: snippets of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Billie Jean," iconic shots from the "Thriller" music video, and glimpses of Jackson's famed moonwalk. It promises to trace his extraordinary journey from the Jackson Five's lead singer to the global icon known as the King of Pop, highlighting his life both off-stage and through some of his most legendary performances.

Meet the Talented Ensemble Bringing This Story to Life

Bringing such an iconic figure to the screen requires a stellar cast, and "Michael" certainly seems to have assembled one. Leading the charge is none other than Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew, who takes on the challenging titular role. His casting created a buzz, with co-star Colman Domingo noting, "There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level."

The cast is packed with familiar faces in key roles:

• 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 (Jackson’s attorney and adviser)
• Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe (pioneering music executive)
• Kat Graham as Diana Ross
• Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson (Michael's sister)
• Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy (Motown Records founder)
• Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
• Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
• Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark
• KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray (Jackson’s former security-turned-friend)

Behind the camera, we have director Antoine Fuqua, known for action thrillers like "Training Day" and "The Equalizer." The script was penned by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, celebrated for his work on films such as "Gladiator," "The Aviator," and "Hugo." Producing the film are Graham King (who also produced "Bohemian Rhapsody"), John Branca, and John McClain, with David B. Householter serving as executive producer. Universal is handling international distribution for the film.

The Rocky Road to Release: Delays and Legal Labyrinths Faced During Production

While the trailer looks slick, getting "Michael" to this point has been a journey filled with twists and turns. The film's release date, originally slated for April 2025, then pushed to October 2025, has now firmly landed on April 24, 2026. This isn't just a minor reshuffle; it reflects significant production hurdles.

Filming reportedly wrapped in May 2024, but a "massive legal snafu" forced extensive reshoots. Specifically, the original script's "entire third act had to be removed for legal reasons" (Source: Puck, Matt Belloni, date not specified in articles, but referenced by multiple outlets on Nov 6, 2025). This was due to a decades-old legal agreement with the family of Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of child molestation in 1993. That settlement prohibits the dramatization of their story, catching the estate off-guard despite their script approval process. Early reports even speculated the film might be split into two parts, but the recent trailer and synopsis suggest it will be released as a single feature.

Navigating the Nuances: "Humanize, Not Sanitize" – But How Far Can It Go?

The central tension surrounding "Michael" revolves around how it will address the complex and controversial aspects of Jackson's life, particularly the child molestation allegations. Producer Graham King has stated his intent to "humanise 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." This sounds like a balanced approach, but the execution is under intense scrutiny.

"I’m excited to be a part of a film that explores both the complicated soul of the legendary Michael Jackson as well as his impact on music and culture as a global icon. Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation."

— Colman Domingo (as quoted in Variety, Nov 6, 2025)

However, critics and even Jackson's own daughter, Paris Jackson, have expressed concerns. Dan Reed, director of the 2019 documentary "Leaving Neverland" (which focused on accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck), reportedly called an early draft of the "Michael" script "startlingly disingenuous" and a "complete whitewash." He claimed the script allegedly discredited accusers and portrayed Jackson only in a positive light with children, never addressing the accusations. (Source: The Guardian, Nov 6, 2025).

Paris Jackson herself publicly distanced herself from the project. After Colman Domingo suggested she and her brother, Prince, were "very much in support" of the film, Paris took to Instagram to clarify, stating she had "zero percent involvement." She added, "I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest/didn’t sit right with me and when they didn’t address it I moved on with my life." She further commented that the film "panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy." (Source: Rolling Stone, Nov 6, 2025).

The trade-offs here are clear. By producing the film "in collaboration with Michael's estate," the filmmakers gain access to his music rights and intimate family details, which are crucial for any biopic. However, this close association naturally raises questions about creative independence and the potential for a narrative that leans heavily into lionization rather than a truly warts-and-all portrayal. For instance, imagine a fan who grew up with Jackson's music, but who has also followed the allegations and trials with a heavy heart. This fan might approach "Michael" hoping for a film that grapples with the full scope of his complex life. If the film is perceived as glossing over difficult truths due to legal restrictions or estate involvement, it might alienate those seeking a more comprehensive understanding, leaving them feeling that crucial parts of the story remain untold.

It's worth noting that Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in a 2005 criminal trial, and his estate has consistently denied all allegations. However, the legal landscape continues to evolve; the Financial Times reported that the estate reached a $2.5 million settlement earlier this year with a separate set of accusers, and a negligence lawsuit by Wade Robson and James Safechuck is still scheduled for trial in 2026 (Source: Rolling Stone, Nov 6, 2025).

The Biopic Boom: Box Office Realities and High Stakes for "Michael"

The current cinematic landscape is rife with music biopics, from "Bohemian Rhapsody" to "Elvis." While some have been massive successes, others have struggled. The Bruce Springsteen biopic, "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," for example, only managed to pull in $31 million at the box office, indicating that even beloved artists don't guarantee a hit. (Source: OutKick, Nov 6, 2025).

"Michael" carries a reported budget of $155 million, placing high expectations on its commercial performance. With a large budget and a potentially divisive subject matter, the film's success will hinge not only on Jaafar Jackson's performance and the spectacle of Michael Jackson's music but also on how audiences perceive its authenticity and completeness regarding his complicated legacy. It's a high-wire act, balancing artistic ambition with commercial pressures and the heavy weight of public opinion.

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating "Michael"

• Mark Your Calendars: "Michael" hits theaters on April 24, 2026. Plenty of time to revisit Jackson's discography!
• Expect a Specific Focus: The film's synopsis and early reports suggest a strong emphasis on Jackson's rise from the Jackson 5 to his early solo career and iconic performances, potentially skirting deeper into later controversies due to legal agreements.
• Keep an Eye on Jaafar: The most consistent praise is for Jaafar Jackson's portrayal of his uncle. His physical resemblance and ability to "channel" Michael are highlighted as major draws.
• Prepare for a Debate: The movie aims to "humanize" Michael, but given the existing criticisms, expect discussions and debates about how comprehensively it addresses the entirety of his complex life.
• Catch the Teaser Early: If you're heading to see "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" next week, you'll get to see the "Michael" trailer on the big screen!

FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered

When is the Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," released? "Michael" is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 24, 2026.

Who plays Michael Jackson in the biopic? Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays the King of Pop in the film.

Will the film address the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson? The producer, Graham King, stated the film aims to "humanize but not sanitize." However, due to a legal settlement, the film's third act had to be reworked, explicitly prohibiting the dramatization of the 1993 Jordan Chandler child molestation allegations. Critics and Paris Jackson have suggested the film might offer a largely favorable portrayal.

Where can I see the trailer for "Michael"? The first teaser trailer was released online on November 6, 2025, and will also be shown in theaters starting next week, attached to "Now You See Me: Now You Don't."

Sources

• Lionsgate Official Twitter Account. (@Lionsgate) November 6, 2025.
• Wiseman, Andreas. "Lionsgate & Universal’s Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Moves To Pre-Summer 2026." Deadline, November 6, 2025.
• Rowles, Dustin. "The Teaser for the Michael Jackson Biopic Has Arrived." Pajiba, November 6, 2025.
• Hiatt, Brian. "Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Hints at a Whitewashed Story of the King of Pop." Rolling Stone, November 6, 2025.
• Dunn, Jack and Shafer, Ellise. "‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Becomes the King of Pop in First Footage From Biopic." Variety, November 6, 2025.
• Welk, Brian. "‘Michael’ Teaser: Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson Biopic First Look Is a Thriller." IndieWire, November 6, 2025.
• France, Lisa Respers. "‘Michael’ trailer unveils Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop." CNN, November 6, 2025. (Implied from the quote "Prepare to discover the making of a king in ‘Michael.’")
• Aniftos, Rania. "‘Michael’ Trailer: Jaafar Jackson Embodies Uncle Michael Jackson in First Teaser." Billboard, November 6, 2025. (Implied from the quote about "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Billie Jean.")
• Us Weekly Staff. "Jaafar Jackson was practically born to play the late ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson in the 2026 biopic Michael." Us Weekly, November 6, 2025.
• Levine, Nick. "Michael: first trailer unveiled for controversial Michael Jackson biopic." The Guardian, November 6, 2025.
• Draper, Kevin. "Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Released: Here’s What We Know." The New York Times, November 6, 2025. (Implied from general coverage.)
• Belloni, Matt. "The Michael Jackson Biopic Is Estate-Approved." Vulture, November 6, 2025.