The first trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled ‘Michael,’ starring Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s own nephew), has dropped online after a production filled with delays and legal challenges. Filming had wrapped in May 2024, and the film was initially set to release in April 2025. That date was first pushed to October 2025 and then again to April 2026 due to reshoots in June 2025. Early reports suggested the film might be split into two parts, but the first trailer indicates it will be released as a single feature.
The biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for action and thriller films including Training Day, The Equalizer, and Olympus Has Fallen. The script is written by John Logan, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind films such as Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, stars in the lead role, marking his feature acting debut. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, while Miles Teller, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, and others fill out the supporting cast.
Aiming to Humanize the Legend While Capturing the Full Spectrum of His Life and Legacy
The film aims to portray Michael Jackson’s life from his early years in the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global superstar. According to The Guardian, British producer Graham King described the project as a way to humanize Jackson while presenting a comprehensive view of his life. “I look to humanize but not sanitize 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…” he said.
Controversy has surrounded the film since production began. Allegations of SA against Jackson were brought back into public discussion by Dan Reed’s 2019 docuseries Leaving Neverland. Reed criticized the biopic, claiming the draft script downplayed the allegations and focused only on moments of Jackson with children in safe or wholesome contexts. The Jackson estate has denied the allegations, but the film still faces scrutiny for how it portrays these aspects of Jackson’s life.
Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson, has publicly criticized the film. She stated that she had zero involvement in the production and that an early draft she reviewed contained inaccuracies and falsehoods. She warned fans that the film may cater to a section of Jackson’s fanbase that prefers a sanitized version of his life.
A Record-Breaking Trailer That Rekindles the Magic of Michael Jackson’s Iconic Performances
The trailer, released in November 2025, has generated enormous attention online, racking up over 30 million views within six hours, surpassing the first six hours of the John Wick: Chapter 4 trailer. It features Jackson performing iconic dance moves from Michael’s career, including scenes inspired by Thriller and other memorable performances. Kendrick Sampson, who plays Michael’s producer Quincy Jones, is heard in the teaser encouraging Jackson to perform.
Legal complications also affected production. A clause in a settlement with a former accuser, Jordan Chandler, prevented that person from being dramatized in the film. This led to rewrites and reshoots, which delayed the release. Despite the challenges, Lionsgate executives have said the first film’s director’s cut is exceptional, and they are considering a potential second feature in the future.
Michael has a reported budget of $155 million and is scheduled to premiere in theaters on April 24, 2026. It promises to cover both his life on stage and private moments, presenting a full view of one of the most influential performers in music history. The biopic has already sparked debate about its portrayal of Jackson’s life, and audiences are eagerly awaiting seeing how Jaafar Jackson brings the King of Pop to the screen.
