Explore the upcoming Michael biopic starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the $155M film delves into the pop legend’s rise, controversies, and legacy ahead of its April 2026 release.
Michael Biopic: Inside the Tumultuous Journey of the Upcoming Michael Jackson Film
The much-anticipated biopic Michael, based on the life and legacy of global icon Michael Jackson, has finally revealed its first trailer after months of speculation, production delays, and controversy. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Oscar-winner Graham King, the film promises to explore the King of Pop’s complex life — both his artistic brilliance and his personal struggles — while navigating one of the most scrutinized legacies in music history.
A Long Road to Release
Filming on Michael officially wrapped in May 2024, with an initial release date set for April 2025. However, after reports of reshoots in June and creative differences behind the scenes, the premiere was pushed to October 2025, and later again to April 2026.
Rumors then began circulating that the movie was being split into two parts, a move that often signals a major rework in scope or tone. Yet, the recently released trailer suggests the studio has decided to release it as a single feature film — likely aiming to balance storytelling ambition with audience accessibility.
Despite the setbacks, anticipation for the movie remains strong. Jackson’s global fanbase and the film industry alike are watching closely to see how Fuqua and his team handle one of the most controversial and complicated figures of modern pop culture.
The Creative Team Behind Michael
Helming the film is Antoine Fuqua, best known for high-octane titles such as Training Day, The Equalizer, and Olympus Has Fallen. The choice of Fuqua may surprise some, given his background in action thrillers rather than biographical drama. But the director has stated that Michael is his most personal and challenging project yet, aiming to capture “the energy, magic, and contradictions of an artist who changed the world.”
The screenplay is penned by John Logan, the Oscar-nominated writer behind Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo. Logan’s history of writing grand, emotionally charged biopics makes him a natural fit for a story as dramatic and conflicted as Jackson’s.
The film’s budget reportedly stands at $155 million, underscoring the scale of the production and its ambition to become the definitive cinematic portrayal of the late pop legend.
Jaafar Jackson Steps Into His Uncle’s Shoes
In a casting choice that immediately drew headlines, the role of Michael Jackson is being played by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson — the son of Jermaine Jackson. Jaafar’s uncanny resemblance to his uncle and his own musical background make him a compelling choice to bring the King of Pop to life on screen.
The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael’s strict and often controversial father; Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, the family matriarch; Miles Teller in an undisclosed role; and Laura Harrier, adding further star power to the ensemble.
Producer Graham King, who previously delivered Bohemian Rhapsody — the Oscar-winning Freddie Mercury biopic — promises a balanced portrayal. “Michael’s life was complicated,” King said. “As a filmmaker, I want to humanize but not sanitize. The goal is to present a compelling, unbiased story that lets audiences decide how they feel after watching.”
Controversy Returns to the Spotlight
No project about Michael Jackson could escape controversy, and Michael is no exception. The singer’s life was shadowed by persistent allegations of child sexual abuse, which resurfaced prominently after the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland.
Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed, who directed Leaving Neverland, claimed he read a draft of Michael’s script and called it “startlingly disingenuous.” According to Reed, the film allegedly portrays Jackson as a benevolent figure surrounded by children only in caring or innocent contexts — a depiction he believes erases the disturbing allegations.
This has fueled debate over whether the biopic will confront or avoid the darker aspects of Jackson’s story. Some critics worry the film might romanticize the singer’s image, while others argue that it’s time to separate the artist’s cultural influence from the accusations that remain legally unproven.
Family Divisions and Public Perception
Adding to the intrigue are the mixed reactions from the Jackson family. Earlier this year, Colman Domingo — who plays Joe Jackson — told reporters that Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, were “very supportive” of the project. However, Paris Jackson quickly denied this on Instagram.
“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had zero percent involvement in,” she wrote. “I read one of the early drafts and gave notes about what was dishonest. When they didn’t address it, I moved on with my life.”
Paris also noted that the movie “panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in a fantasy,” suggesting that the film may cater more to devoted fans than to balanced truth-seekers. Her comments reignited discussion about whether any biopic can fully capture the truth of a figure as polarizing as Michael Jackson.
Hollywood’s Risky Biopic Gamble
The film’s $155 million budget makes Michael one of the most expensive music biopics ever produced. That’s a risky bet, especially after this year’s Bruce Springsteen biopic struggled at the box office, grossing only $31 million worldwide.
Still, the global fascination with Jackson remains unmatched. From Thriller to Billie Jean, his influence continues to echo across generations. If handled with emotional honesty and cinematic power, Michael could resonate not just as a celebration of an artist but as a reflection on fame, trauma, and redemption.
Release and Expectations
After multiple postponements, Michael is now set for a worldwide theatrical release in April 2026. The trailer’s arrival has reignited interest and speculation — will Fuqua’s film redeem Jackson’s narrative, or reignite the controversies that defined his later years?
Whatever the outcome, Michael aims to deliver an unforgettable portrait of a man who transformed music, dance, and culture — and whose life remains one of the most complex stories ever told in entertainment.
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