The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael is shaping up to be less of a movie and more of a cinematic event. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar nominated screenwriter John Logan, the film aims to chronicle the life of one of the most influential artists in music history, with Jackson’s real life nephew Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role of the King of Pop in his feature film debut.
Unlike earlier television adaptations or documentary style projects, Michael is positioned as a large scale theatrical experience. With a reported budget of $155 million, the production ranks among the most expensive musical biopics ever made. Lionsgate will distribute the film in the United States while Universal Pictures handles international territories, signaling massive global expectations for a story that transcends generations and geography.
The film follows Michael Jackson’s journey beyond the music itself, tracing his rise from childhood fame with the Jackson 5 through his early solo superstardom. Rather than focusing solely on iconic performances, the narrative aims to explore the personal, familial, and industry pressures that shaped one of the most scrutinized figures in entertainment history. The ensemble cast reflects that ambition. Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller appears as longtime entertainment lawyer John Branca. Supporting roles include Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.
Development for the film began as early as 2019 when producer Graham King secured rights from the Michael Jackson estate. Lionsgate officially announced the project in 2022, with Antoine Fuqua joining as director the following year. Production faced delays due to the 2023 SAG AFTRA strike but eventually began filming in January 2024 and wrapped principal photography in May of that year. Additional photography continued into mid 2025 as the filmmakers refined what has reportedly been an expansive and complex edit.
Behind the scenes, the project has already generated conversation. Reports indicated the screenplay would address allegations surrounding Jackson’s life while attempting to present a humanized yet balanced portrait. Members of Jackson’s own family have publicly questioned aspects of the film’s creative direction, highlighting how difficult it is to tell a story about an artist whose legacy remains both celebrated and debated.
Post production has been equally ambitious. At one stage, insiders suggested the film’s runtime approached four hours, leading to discussions about potentially splitting the story into two movies. The final version is expected to run roughly three and a half hours, emphasizing the scale of the narrative and the filmmakers’ intention to create a definitive cinematic portrait rather than a condensed highlight reel.
Marketing momentum already proves the film’s cultural weight. The teaser trailer released in November 2025 generated over 116 million views within twenty four hours, setting a record for Lionsgate and surpassing previous musical biopic trailer launches. The footage showcased recreations of Jackson’s most iconic eras accompanied by a mashup of hits including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Human Nature,” and “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” immediately igniting global curiosity.
Set to premiere in Berlin before its worldwide theatrical release on April 24, 2026, including IMAX screenings, Michael arrives carrying enormous expectations. Few artists have shaped pop culture as profoundly as Michael Jackson, and translating that influence to the big screen presents a challenge unlike any traditional biopic.More than a celebration or controversy driven narrative, Michael appears to aim for something larger. It attempts to capture the myth, the genius, the pressure, and the contradictions of a performer whose impact still defines modern music, performance, and celebrity itself. Whether the film succeeds or divides audiences, one thing is already certain. This will not be a quiet release. It will be one of the most discussed cinematic events of 2026.