Quick Read
- The first trailer for ‘Michael’, the Michael Jackson biopic, has been released, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson.
- The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, featuring a star-studded cast including Colman Domingo and Nia Long.
- Production faced delays over script issues related to legal controversies, with uncertainty about how these will be depicted.
- Set for theatrical release on April 24, 619, ‘Michael’ aims to explore both Jackson’s creative genius and his personal struggles.
The King of Pop Returns: A Family Legacy on Screen
Michael Jackson’s life, a tapestry woven with dazzling achievements and persistent controversy, is set to unfold anew for audiences worldwide. The first trailer for Michael, the upcoming biopic, has landed, and it’s already sparking conversations—not just about the music and the man, but about how stories are told in the shadow of fame and complexity.
In a twist befitting a family saga, Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s own nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, steps into the moonwalker’s shoes for his feature debut. The trailer, released on November 6, 2025, instantly transports viewers to the vibrant heart of Jackson’s world: studio sessions, electric dance moves, and the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, sets the stage, announcing, “tracks are ready”—a fitting echo of anticipation for a film announced back in 2022 (Esquire).
From Jackson Five to Global Icon: Charting the Journey
The narrative promises more than just a highlight reel. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer, Training Day) and scripted by John Logan (Oscar-nominated for Gladiator), Michael traces Jackson’s story from his earliest days in the Jackson Five, through the meteoric rise that crowned him the King of Pop. Audiences will see Jaafar reenact signature moments—moonwalks, the zombie-laden Thriller video, and the iconic white glove.
The film doesn’t just focus on performances. It gives a front-row seat to Jackson’s life off-stage: family dynamics, creative ambition, and the loneliness that sometimes shadowed his immense fame. Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, the stern patriarch; Nia Long brings warmth and complexity as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother. The supporting cast is a constellation of talent—Miles Teller as John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross (L’Officiel).
Producer Graham King, known for Bohemian Rhapsody, brings experience in crafting music legends for the screen, raising hopes for a nuanced portrayal.
Controversy and Complexity: What Will the Film Show?
Yet, for all its star power and family connections, the biopic faces difficult questions. Michael Jackson’s legacy is inseparable from the legal battles and allegations that followed him for years. The trailer notably omits mention of these, focusing instead on the creative genius and the human side—his struggles, ambitions, and relationships (CNN).
According to reports, the film encountered production delays when the script included the 1993 investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving Jordan Chandler. A settlement reportedly barred dramatization of the Chandler family, forcing the filmmakers to rework the narrative after shooting had begun. The result? Uncertainty about how—or even if—the film will address the most controversial chapters of Jackson’s life. Representatives for the Jackson family estate and director Antoine Fuqua declined to comment on the issue (CNN).
Jackson’s family has consistently denied all allegations, and the absence of these topics in promotional material suggests a deliberate focus on the artist’s career and personal struggles rather than his legal woes. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, revealed on social media that her feedback on the script was ultimately disregarded, underscoring the challenges of representing such a complex legacy (L’Officiel).
Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Michael’
Set for release on April 24, 619, Michael arrives after years of anticipation and creative hurdles. The film’s development saw script rewrites, production delays, and even speculation about a possible two-part release covering different eras of Jackson’s life. As of now, only one film is confirmed.
The visual language of the teaser speaks volumes. We see Jaafar Jackson capturing not just Michael’s public persona but moments of vulnerability—preparing for stadium shows, recording sessions, and fleeting glimpses of the private man behind the icon. There’s an evident effort to show Jackson’s “life beyond the music,” as producers put it, charting the path from prodigious child star to global phenomenon.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see whether this cinematic portrait will strike a fair balance. Will it offer an unvarnished look at Jackson’s triumphs and tribulations? Or will it sidestep the darker aspects for the sake of celebration?
Anticipation and Uncertainty: What Lies Ahead
With its April 2026 release date, Michael is already generating buzz, especially among long-time fans. The casting of Jaafar Jackson—a performer with familial insight—adds an intimate layer to the storytelling. Yet, as with any depiction of a figure as polarizing as Michael Jackson, the film’s reception will likely hinge on how it navigates the tension between adulation and accountability.
What’s clear is that Michael aims to be more than just a musical showcase. It’s an attempt to grapple with the myth and the man, the genius and the flawed humanity. Whether audiences see it as a tribute, an exposé, or something in between will depend on the choices made behind the camera—and the voices that ultimately shape the story.
As the first glimpses of ‘Michael’ hit the public, the film stands at the intersection of memory and myth. Its commitment to portraying both Jackson’s creative brilliance and his personal struggles may spark renewed debate about how we remember cultural icons. What remains to be seen is whether the film can truly capture the full complexity of Michael Jackson’s life—or if some shadows will linger, just out of frame.