Manny Ita –
As the global entertainment industry prepares for one of the most significant musical biographies in cinematic history, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures have finalized the rollout for Michael, the upcoming biopic starring the singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 24, 2026, the film marks the feature debut for Jaafar, whose performance has already garnered intense industry buzz for its uncanny resemblance to his late uncle. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King of Bohemian Rhapsody fame, the production reportedly carries a $155 million budget and a sprawling 3.5-hour runtime that spans from the early success of the Jackson 5 to the final stages of the artist’s career.
The project has prioritized authenticity by casting within the family, with Fuqua noting that Jaafar’s transformation goes “beyond the physical” and manages to capture Michael’s specific “spirit and essence.” Supporting the lead is a high-profile ensemble including Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo as the family patriarch Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. The film also features Miles Teller as attorney John Branca and Kat Graham as Diana Ross, while young Michael is portrayed by nine-year-old viral performer Juliano Krue Valdi. A recently released trailer highlights the central conflict of Michael’s upbringing, juxtaposing Joe Jackson’s “winner or loser” philosophy against Katherine’s belief that her son possessed a “special light.”
Despite the involvement of the Michael Jackson Estate, the creative team has addressed public curiosity regarding the film’s tone and its approach to the singer’s complicated legacy. Screenwriter John Logan and director Antoine Fuqua have publicly stated their intention to “humanize but not sanitize” the narrative, focusing on the artist’s drive for perfection and the personal toll of his global superstardom. The film will feature high-fidelity recreations of Michael’s most famous performances, including the Motown 25 Moonwalk and the Dangerous World Tour, captured by cinematographer Dion Beebe. Following an international premiere in Berlin on April 10, the film will debut in standard and IMAX formats globally.
Jaafar Jackson’s preparation for the role began long before his casting was officially announced in early 2023. The 29-year-old reportedly spent over two years in intensive “lab training” to master his uncle’s complex physical vocabulary. This process was overseen by world-renowned choreographers Rich + Tone Talauega, who previously worked with Michael Jackson himself. According to reports from the production, Jaafar’s audition process alone was an “exhaustive” period where he had to demonstrate not just the ability to mimic the Moonwalk, but also the “specific rhythmic energy” of Michael’s live performances. His grandmother, Katherine Jackson, noted that the family was stunned by the result, stating he “embodies” her son’s essence in a way no other performer could.
The Soundtrack: A Career Retrospective
Producer Graham King confirmed at a recent industry event that the biopic will feature more than 30 songs from the Michael Jackson catalog. Rather than using covers, the film utilizes Michael’s original vocal stems, seamlessly blended with Jaafar’s own singing for certain transitional or live-rehearsal scenes. The confirmed tracklist includes the artist’s most definitive hits across several decades:
- The Jackson 5 Era: “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.”
- Solo Breakthroughs: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock With You,” and “Off the Wall.”
- The Superstardom Peak: “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Human Nature,” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
- Evolutionary Hits: “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Black or White,” and “Earth Song.”
Additionally, the film is expected to feature a few “rare outtakes” from the Thriller and Bad recording sessions to provide fans with a glimpse into Jackson’s perfectionist studio process. The musical supervision is handled by John Ottman, who previously won an Academy Award for his work on the musical editing of Bohemian Rhapsody.
