Lionsgate just unveiled the first official trailer for Michael, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film drops on April 24, 2026 in theaters and IMAX. Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop’s own nephew, makes his film debut playing his iconic uncle. This $155 million production marks one of the most significant music biopics in years.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Jaafar Jackson makes his film debut as his uncle Michael Jackson
- Trailer released Nov. 6, 2025 with electrifying footage of the King of Pop
- Budget sits at $155 million, one of the largest music biopics ever
- Runtime is approximately 3.5 hours of epic storytelling and performances
- Cast includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller
Jaafar Jackson Steps Into the Spotlight
Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, transforms into his legendary uncle. The first trailer reveals him onstage recreating iconic Michael Jackson performances and vocals. Director Antoine Fuqua praised his natural ability early on.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such great chemistry with the camera.”
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The trailer showcases Jaafar wearing iconic costumes and wide-brimmed hats. He executes the electric choreography that made Michael Jackson the biggest entertainer on Earth. The footage captures both his life offstage and legendary early performances.
An All-Star Cast Brings the Story to Life
Colman Domingo, fresh off an Oscar nomination for Rustin, plays Joe Jackson. The 55-year-old actor told People magazine he’s finding humanity in complex characters. Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, his mother, bringing strength to the role.
Miles Teller takes on lawyer and manager John Branca alongside the ensemble. Kat Graham appears as Diana Ross, the Motown legend and Jackson 5 mentor. Juliano Krue Valdi portrays young Michael in earlier scenes.
Producer Graham King brought massive credibility to the project. He produced the award-winning hit Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned 5 Oscars. His vision clearly shaped this ambitious biopic from the beginning.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Michael |
| Release Date | April 24, 2026 |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Budget | $155 Million |
| Runtime | Approximately 3.5 hours |
| Format | Theatrical + IMAX Release |
| Distributor | Lionsgate (US), Universal (International) |
The Biopic That Fans Have Been Waiting For
The film explores Michael Jackson‘s meteoric rise from Jackson 5 child star to the King of Pop. The synopsis promises an unfiltered look at his life both on and offstage. Audiences will witness some of his most iconic performances and recordings ever produced.
The production faced multiple delays before landing on April 2026. It was originally scheduled for April 2025, then October 2025. The team took extra time to perfect the nearly 3.5-hour epic. This allowed for meticulous attention to detail and authenticity.
Miles Teller shared his excitement about the project with Variety in March. He stated that Michael Jackson deserves this film regardless of public opinion. He called the King of Pop “one of the greatest to ever do it.”
What Makes This Biopic Different
- Casting a real-life nephew as the lead brings authentic family perspective
- Director Antoine Fuqua known for authentic, gritty character studies
- Producer Graham King’s pedigree includes 4 Best Picture nominations
- Nearly 3.5-hour runtime allows deep exploration of his life
- Theatrical and IMAX release honors the scale of Jackson’s career
Will Michael Jackson’s Story Finally Get Its Moment?
The King of Pop spent decades as the world’s most famous entertainer. His impact on music, dance, and culture remains unmatched decades after his death. Yet his story has rarely been told on film with this scale and ambition.
This April 2026 release will introduce his legacy to millions of viewers. First-time fans will discover his dance innovations and record-breaking achievements. Long-time devotees will see their idol honored in cinematic fashion.
The trailer already shows promising signs with Jaafar Jackson in the lead. Director Fuqua‘s track record with character-driven stories inspires confidence. With a $155 million budget, every detail of Michael’s world will come alive.
Will this film become the definitive Michael Jackson biography audiences have waited for?
Sources
- People Magazine – Official first trailer and cast interview coverage
- Deadline – Production budget and release date confirmation
- The Hollywood Reporter – Director and cast commentary
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.