Michael Jackson Biopic: First Trailer & Release Date

The King of Pop Returns to Cinemas: Michael Jackson Biopic Unveils First Trailer

After years of anticipation and controversy, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic finally dropped its first teaser trailer on November 6, 2025. Titled simply Michael, the film promises an intimate look at the life and legacy of one of music's greatest icons, though it's already sparking debates about how it portrays the artist's complex legacy.

A Turbulent Journey to the Big Screen

Production of the biopic hasn't been without its challenges. Originally slated for an April 2025 release, the film faced significant delays due to reshoots in June 2024, pushing its debut to October 2025 and now finally to April 24, 2026. Reports even suggested the project would be split into two parts, but the trailer confirms it will be released as a single feature film.

Behind the camera is director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), known for his gritty action-thrillers rather than musical biopics. The screenplay comes from Oscar-nominated writer John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator), and the project is produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) with a reported budget of $155 million.

Cast: Family Ties and Star Power

The film's casting has turned heads, with Michael Jackson's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the iconic role. The trailer showcases Jaafar channeling his uncle's signature moves and fashion, from the fedora hats to the dance sequences that made MJ a global phenomenon.

The supporting cast is equally impressive:

• Colman Domingo (Rustin) portrays Joe Jackson, Michael's father and manager
• Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother
• Miles Teller stars as John Branca, Jackson's lawyer and manager
• Laura Harrier and Kat Graham round out the ensemble

Controversy and Family Divides

The biopic arrives amid renewed scrutiny of Michael Jackson's legacy, following the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland which detailed abuse allegations against the pop star. Director Dan Reed reportedly reviewed an early script and called it "startlingly disingenuous" for allegedly discrediting the accusers.

The Jackson family's involvement has also been contentious. While actor Colman Domingo claimed Michael's children Paris and Prince were supportive, Paris Jackson quickly refuted this on Instagram, stating she had "zero percent involvement" and criticized the film for being "sugar-coated" and catering to "a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in the fantasy."

"A big reason I haven't said anything is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it... the film panders to a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in the fantasy."
— Paris Jackson via Instagram

What the Trailer Reveals

The teaser offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film's scope, featuring:

• Recreations of iconic performances like "Thriller"
• Scenes of Michael preparing for shows at Dodger Stadium
• Studio moments with his producers
• Focus on his early solo career and creative process

As the synopsis promises, the film aims to "highlight both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, giving audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before."

Release Date and Box Office Outlook

With a massive budget and a star-studded cast, Michael faces high expectations. Its release in April 2026 comes after a challenging year for music biopics, with this year's Bruce Springsteen film grossing just $31 million. However, Jackson's enduring global popularity suggests the biopic could still be a major box office draw.

Whether it will humanize the King of Pop without sanitizing his legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching when Michael hits theaters on April 24, 2026.