People are already divided, and honestly, that is something we did anticipate when the news came out. We know that music fanatics in general still adore the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and the first trailer for Michael, the long-anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, has finally arrived.
And yes, the news of the film finally happening is dividing audiences worldwide. Why? Because the film has had a bumpy path to the screen, wrapped in delays, reshoots, and legal complications, but Lionsgate has now confirmed its April 2026 release as the trailer ignites a fresh wave of excitement, skepticism, and debate.
Aiming to Humanize the Legend While Capturing the Full Spectrum of His Life and Legacy
The movie is directed by Antoine Fuqua, best known for blockbusters like Training Day and The Equalizer, and is written by the acclaimed screenwriter John Logan, making it a project that promises a sweeping look at Jackson’s life. What we know is that we will get a glimpse from his Jackson 5 childhood to global superstardom, and with Jaafar Jackson, in his feature acting debut, stepping into the spotlight as the King of Pop. He is supported by Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and an ensemble including Miles Teller, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, and Kat Graham.
What we know as per several sources that the producers have emphasized their intention to humanize Jackson while still presenting the full spectrum of his life, with Graham King describing the film as an attempt to avoid both sanitization and sensationalism. But controversy has shadowed the biopic from the start, revived by never-ending allegations that resurfaced after the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Director Dan Reed has openly criticized the film, claiming the script softened or avoided the most troubling aspects of Jackson’s history. Meanwhile, Jackson’s daughter, Paris, has distanced herself from the production, warning that an early draft she reviewed contained inaccuracies and catered to fans seeking a polished version of events
A Record-Breaking Trailer That Rekindles the Magic of Michael Jackson’s Iconic Performances
But despite of all the tension, the new trailer’s release became a phenomenon of its own, as it amassed over 30 million views in just six hours, surpassing the initial traction of major franchise trailers like John Wick: Chapter 4. The footage leans heavily into Jackson’s iconic performances, with Jaafar recreating moments of the hit song Thriller and other legendary stages while Kendrick Sampson appears as Quincy Jones, urging him to push further.
Yet, the film’s path was complicated by legal restrictions, including a settlement clause involving Jordan Chandler that forced rewrites and delayed production. With a massive $155 million budget and a premiere set for April 24, 2026, Michael arrives carrying both anticipation and scrutiny.
