Michael, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, promises a deep dive into the artist's complex life and legacy, set for release in theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026. The project is anchored by producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day). With a reported budget of 155 million USD, this film is one of the most expensive music biopics ever. The lead role is played by Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who makes his feature film debut, adding a layer of authenticity and family endorsement. The film aims to chronicle Jackson's journey from the Jackson Five to his global superstardom, navigating both his unparalleled artistic genius and the immense personal and legal scrutiny he faced. The production wrapped filming in May 2024, with 22 days of additional photography taking place in June 2025, highlighting the complex efforts to finalize the narrative, reports The WP Times.
The Creative Team and Production Facts
Eight sentences detailing the facts: The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his visually intense, dramatic thrillers, ensuring a powerful cinematic delivery of Jackson's life. Graham King, the Oscar-winning producer of the highly successful Bohemian Rhapsody, is spearheading the project, signaling a high-stakes, awards-contending ambition. The screenplay is written by Oscar nominee John Logan, recognized for scripting major historical epics such as Gladiator and The Aviator. The casting of Jaafar Jackson in the title role was confirmed after a two-year worldwide search, a decision fully approved by Jackson's mother, Katherine. The 155 million USD budget underscores the commitment to fully recreate Jackson's elaborate stage shows and iconic music videos, such as Thriller. The film's distribution is managed by Lionsgate (US) and Universal Pictures (International), securing a massive global theatrical footprint. Co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, are producers, guaranteeing full access to Jackson's entire music catalog. The film's original release date was pushed from 2025 to 2026 following production delays and additional reshoots needed for creative fine-tuning.
Narrative Scope and Controversy Challenge
Eight sentences detailing the facts: The biopic’s official synopsis promises an "intimate look at the life and enduring legacy," covering his entire career from the Jackson Five onward. The complex and often turbulent relationship with his father, Joe Jackson (played by Colman Domingo), will be explored as a formative element of his early life. The narrative is expected to depict the creation of his revolutionary music and dance moves, which redefined pop culture in the 1980s. The involvement of the Jackson estate means the film has faced significant challenges in addressing the sensitive and controversial 1993 allegations, with reports of script changes after filming wrapped. Director Fuqua has publicly maintained the film aims to "humanize but not sanitize" the icon, indicating an attempt at narrative balance. The cast includes Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca, highlighting the importance of the legal and management aspects of Jackson's public life. The film is rumored to have a runtime of around three and a half hours, suggesting a comprehensive, almost documentary-style approach to his long career. The decision to release in IMAX emphasizes the filmmakers' focus on delivering a massive visual and auditory spectacle that matches the scale of Jackson's stadium performances.
| Key Individual | Role/Fact | Strategic Importance |
| Jaafar Jackson | Lead Actor (Nephew) | Authenticity and family approval |
| Graham King | Producer (€155M Budget) | Ensures high production quality and global commercial success |
| Antoine Fuqua | Director | Provides intense visual and dramatic structure |
| Release Date | April 24, 2026 (IMAX) | Positions film as a major spring cultural event |
The film Michael is poised to be more than a biopic; it is an ambitious cinematic event attempting to encapsulate the entire spectrum of an era-defining artist. The combination of tested, high-profile talent and family endorsement creates immense anticipation for a portrayal that aims to be both spectacular and unflinchingly honest.
Where to Discover the Making of a King: Official Resources
For audiences seeking the first official glimpse into the cinematic portrayal of the King of Pop, the following resources provide up-to-date information, trailers, and official announcements ahead of the April 24, 2026, release:
- Official Trailer: The first teaser trailer, which debuted in November 2025, is available on the official Lionsgate and Universal Pictures YouTube channels. It offers a first look at Jaafar Jackson in the iconic costumes and choreography.
- Studio Distributor: Lionsgate is handling the US distribution, while Universal Pictures manages the international release, confirming the film's major theatrical commitment.
- Tickets and IMAX: The movie is confirmed for an IMAX release. While tickets are not yet on sale for the 2026 date, fans should monitor major ticketing sites for updates.
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