Jaafar Jackson portrays his uncle in the highly anticipated film set for April 2026 release after multiple delays
The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic has finally unveiled its first trailer after a production process marked by delays, reshoots and family tensions. The film, simply titled Michael, is now scheduled to hit theaters in April 2026, nearly two years after filming initially wrapped.
Production on the movie was completed in May 2024 with an original release date set for April 2025. However, the film has faced a series of setbacks that pushed the premiere back multiple times, first to October 2025 and then to its current 2026 slot after reshoots were required in June.
Director Antoine Fuqua takes the helm of this ambitious project, marking a departure from his usual action and thriller territory. The filmmaker has built his reputation on intense dramas including Training Day, The Equalizer and Olympus Has Fallen, bringing that directorial experience to the music biopic genre.
The screenplay comes from John Logan, whose impressive credentials include Oscar nominations for his work on Gladiator, The Aviator and Hugo. The combination of Fuqua’s visual storytelling and Logan’s narrative craftsmanship aims to deliver a compelling portrait of one of music’s most complex figures.
The central role of the King of Pop goes to Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s real-life nephew. The casting choice provides an inherent physical resemblance and family connection that producers hope will bring authenticity to the portrayal.
Oscar nominee Colman Domingo takes on the role of Joe Jackson, the family patriarch whose strict management style shaped Michael’s early career. The supporting cast includes notable actors such as Miles Teller, Nia Long and Laura Harrier, rounding out the ensemble.
British producer Graham King has been vocal about the film’s approach to its subject matter. He acknowledged the complicated nature of Jackson’s life while outlining the project’s goals and limitations.
King emphasized that the film aims to humanize rather than sanitize the iconic performer, presenting what he describes as the most compelling and unbiased story possible within the constraints of a single feature film. The producer stated his intention is to let audiences form their own conclusions after watching.
The approach suggests the filmmakers are aware they cannot please everyone while tackling such a polarizing figure. King stressed that Jackson remains a culturally relevant artist whose life and legacy merit exploration, despite ongoing controversies.
The project faces scrutiny regarding how it handles serious accusations against Jackson. Filmmaker Dan Reed, who directed the 2019 docuseries Leaving Neverland, reportedly reviewed an early script draft and expressed concerns about its treatment of abuse allegations.
Reed described the draft as disingenuous, claiming it discredited accusers while portraying Jackson exclusively in positive interactions with children. His docuseries featured interviews with two men who alleged Jackson abused them as children, reigniting public debate about the performer’s legacy.
These criticisms raise questions about whether the film can truly deliver the unbiased portrayal King promises, or if it leans too heavily toward defending its subject.
Perhaps the most public controversy surrounding Michael involves the Jackson family’s split opinions. Domingo spoke at a Venice event earlier this year, claiming Jackson’s children Paris and Prince supported the film and expressing excitement about attending an event with Paris.
However, Paris Jackson quickly contradicted these statements on Instagram. She clarified that she read an early script draft and provided notes about elements she found dishonest or problematic. When her concerns were not addressed, she distanced herself from the project entirely.
Paris added that the film panders to a specific segment of her father’s fanbase that prefers to live in fantasy rather than confront reality. Her public rejection of the movie adds another layer of complexity to its reception and raises questions about its accuracy.
Michael carries a reported budget of $155 million, making it a significant financial gamble for the studio. The investment reflects confidence in Jackson’s enduring popularity and the biopic genre’s recent successes.
However, the film arrives following disappointing box office performance from other music biopics. The Bruce Springsteen film released in October has only generated $31 million domestically, raising concerns about audience appetite for such projects.
Reports that Michael might be split into two parts have apparently been shelved, with the new trailer confirming a single-film release. This decision may reflect lessons learned from other recent multi-part releases and their mixed commercial results.
The newly released trailer offers audiences their first glimpse at how Fuqua and his team have approached this challenging material. Early reactions will likely provide indicators of whether the film can navigate the minefield of public opinion surrounding its subject.
As April 2026 approaches, Michael faces the difficult task of satisfying longtime fans while addressing legitimate concerns about Jackson’s life and legacy. Whether it succeeds in that balancing act remains to be seen.
