Ok, let me get real for a second here. I don’t have high hopes for Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic on the life and career of Michael Jackson. From everything we’ve heard, it’s going to be a film that sands down the edges of an upbringing that Michael himself described as abusive, largely due to his father Joe. And it will exclude the allegations of sexual absue that dogged Jackson later in his life. Based on this first teaser trailer, that’s exactly what’s happening because you’d think the King of Pop’s life was all hit singles and moonwalks.
But hey, maybe that’s just the hook to attract the legions of fans who still love Michael Jackson. He is, after all, one of the greatest and most successful R&B stars of all-time, and redefined what it means to be a celebrity on the world stage.
The upbeat, energetic teaser is set to the sound of Jackson’s catchy hit, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”, and finds him in the recording studio alongside producer Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson. As for Jackson himself, he is played by the singer’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who is an uncanny dead ringer. We see recreations of some of Jackson’s greatest hits, including the video for “Thriller”.
Production wrapped in 2024, but extensive reshoots had to be done on the third act because John Logan’s script showcased the story of Jordan Chandler, the alleged victim of the 1993 sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Reports were that the screenplay tried to portray Jackson as being blackmailed by Chandler. This violated a legal agreement between Chandler’s family and the Jackson Estate, which the latter “overlooked”. Yeah, sure they did.
Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, joined by Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, Derek Luke, and Juliano Krue Valdi.
SYNOPSIS: MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells 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. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
Lionsgate will release Michael into theaters on April 24th 2026.
