“Michael” is a 2026 biographical film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan.
It follows the life of the legendary singer Michael Jackson, covering his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad tour in the late 1980s.
Jackson is portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson and as a child by Juliano Krue Valdi, both in their film debuts.
The supporting cast includes Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.
The movie’s development began in November 2019, when the rights had been secured to produce a film about Jackson.
After a problem was discovered in a legal settlement, the 1993 allegations against Jackson were removed, the third act was revised and shooting continued to take place in June 2025.
The first trailer was released in November 2025 and became the most viewed for any musical biographical film and the biggest trailer launch in Lionsgate’s history.
“Michael” premiered at the Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin on April 10 and was released on April 22 in the UK by Universal Pictures and April 24 in the US. As of April 27, 2026, it is the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2026.
The narrative touches on pivotal events, such as the making of his ground breaking album “Thriller” and his performance of “Billie Jean” on Motown 25, which helped redefine the music industry.
However, “Michael” has received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out that the portrayal of Jackson’s life feels somewhat sanitized and avoids direct engagement with some of the controversial aspects of his legacy.
The film’s production values were high, and the supporting cast adds depth to the storytelling.
Overall, “Michael” is a well done tribute to the King of Pop that captured his artistry and the impact he had on music, even as it navigates his personal life.
While it may not have delved into all the parts of his story, it serves as a compelling introduction to his legacy, tours with his siblings and his final shows.
