Audiences have been given their first glimpse of Michael, the sweeping biopic bringing the life of Michael Jackson to the big screen. The teaser, released this week, showcases Jaafar Jackson—the late superstar’s nephew—stepping into the role of his legendary uncle with striking vocal likeness and captivating choreography.
A Story That Begins With The Jackson Five
According to producers, Michael follows the evolution of Jackson’s extraordinary talent, beginning with his childhood role as lead singer of The Jackson Five. From there, the film charts his meteoric ascent into one of the most influential and innovative performers in history.
The narrative promises to explore both public and private worlds—capturing the creative ambition, electrifying performances and personal challenges that shaped his journey. While the synopsis highlights the singer’s artistic milestones and family relationships, it remains unclear how deeply the film will engage with the controversies that intensified following the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland.
“The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent … to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world,” producers revealed in an early statement. “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.”
Jaafar Jackson Steps Into an Icon’s Shoes
The teaser offers flashes of Jaafar recreating his uncle’s signature style — wide-brimmed hats, glittering jackets and gravity-defying dance moves. Director Antoine Fuqua has described an instant connection during their first meeting, noting Jaafar’s “natural ability to emulate Michael” and his effortless presence on camera.
The film will also feature Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, capturing the star’s early rise inside one of pop music’s most famous families.
A Powerful Ensemble Cast
The biopic brings together an impressive cast portraying key figures in Jackson’s life:
- Jaafar Jackson – Michael Jackson
- Juliano Krue Valdi – Young Michael
- Colman Domingo – Joe Jackson
- Nia Long – Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller – John Branca
- Kat Graham – Diana Ross
- Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate and Derek Luke – supporting roles
Colman Domingo recently shared his motivation for portraying Joe Jackson, acknowledging the patriarch’s complicated legacy while aiming to uncover the humanity beneath the headlines.
Behind the Scenes
Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua, with a screenplay by John Logan. The film is produced by Graham King, who also oversaw the Academy Award-winning Bohemian Rhapsody, alongside John Branca and John McClain.
Production continued into mid-2025, including more than three weeks of additional photography to refine the ambitious performance sequences. An audio engineer heard in the teaser declares, “The tracks are made. The songs are ready,” hinting that the film will showcase significant musical recreation.
Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, while Universal oversees international release.
Will It Tackle the Controversies?
With the narrative officially approved by the Jackson estate and guided by family involvement, questions remain about how the film will address the controversies that marked the later decades of Michael Jackson’s life. The 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland reignited global discussion around allegations against the singer, though the new film’s treatment of these claims remains unknown.
From early promotional material, Michael appears to lean into major career milestones—parallel to the tone seen in Bohemian Rhapsody—celebrating Jackson’s artistic legacy while exploring the personal pressures that shaped him.
Mark Your Calendar
Whether audiences come for the spectacle, the music, the drama, or the cultural conversation, Michael is set to be one of the most-watched releases of 2026.
Michael opens in Australian cinemas on 23 April 2026, slightly ahead of its global debut.
