Lionsgate has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, stars Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role. The teaser offers a glimpse into key moments of the pop star's career, including recording sessions and iconic music video shoots.
Key Takeaways
- The first teaser trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has been released.
- Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, portrays the pop icon.
- The film is set for release on April 24, 2026, in theaters and IMAX.
- The teaser focuses on career highlights, including "Thriller" and moonwalk performances.
- Reports indicate significant rewrites to the film's third act due to a family agreement regarding allegations.
First Look at Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop
The teaser trailer provides the first official look at Jaafar Jackson embodying his famous uncle. Viewers see him performing classic dance moves and recreating iconic looks. The film aims to capture the essence of Michael Jackson's stage presence and musical genius.
The decision to cast Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, was met with considerable interest. His physical resemblance and familial connection are central to the film's portrayal.
Film Facts
- Release Date: April 24, 2026
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Starring: Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson), Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), Miles Teller (John Branca), Laura Harrier (Suzanne de Passe), Juliano Krue Valdi (Young Michael)
- Format: Theatrical and IMAX release
Iconic Moments Recreated
The teaser highlights several memorable moments from Jackson's career. It shows him in the recording studio with legendary producer Quincy Jones, a partnership that yielded some of his biggest hits. Fans also witness scenes from the making of the groundbreaking "Thriller" music video.
One of the most anticipated moments in the teaser is Jaafar Jackson performing the moonwalk. This signature move became synonymous with Michael Jackson and defined a generation of music and dance.
Cast Members Bring Key Figures to Life
Beyond Jaafar Jackson, the film features a strong ensemble cast. Nia Long takes on the role of Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, while Colman Domingo portrays his father, Joe Jackson. These actors will bring crucial family dynamics to the screen.
Miles Teller is cast as John Branca, Michael Jackson's long-time attorney. Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a significant figure in the early stages of the Jackson 5's career. Juliano Krue Valdi will portray a young Michael Jackson, covering his formative years.
"The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom, that still lives in the fantasy, and they’re going to be happy with it. It’s Hollywood. It’s fantasy land. It’s not real… The narrative is being controlled. There’s a lot of inaccuracies, and just full-blown lies."
Narrative Adjustments and Family Influence
The production of Michael has faced scrutiny regarding its narrative approach. Reports indicate that the film underwent substantial rewrites and reshoots for its third act. This was reportedly due to an existing agreement signed by the Jackson family.
This agreement stipulated that no film about Michael Jackson would include the story of Jordan Chandler. Chandler made molestation allegations against Jackson in 1993. The initial plan for the film's third act reportedly focused on the 1993 investigation and Chandler’s statements.
Background on Production Challenges
Filming a biopic about a figure as complex as Michael Jackson presents unique challenges. The filmmakers must navigate his immense musical legacy alongside the controversies of his personal life. Balancing these aspects is crucial for audience reception.
The involvement of the Jackson family, particularly their agreements on narrative content, significantly shapes the final product. This direct influence can lead to a specific portrayal of events.
Portrayal of Allegations
Sources close to the production previously suggested that the film intended to directly address the allegations against Jackson. The goal was reportedly to portray Jackson as naive in the face of opportunistic individuals. The film aimed to convince audiences of his innocence.
However, the reported rewrites suggest a shift in this approach. The omission of the Jordan Chandler story from the third act indicates a revised direction for the film's conclusion. This change will likely influence how the public perceives the biopic's overall message.
The Film's Scope and Audience Expectations
The teaser emphasizes Michael Jackson's artistic achievements and his impact on global culture. It appears to focus on the celebratory aspects of his career, showcasing his talent and the adoration of his fans.
Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, previously commented on the film's likely direction. She stated that the film would appeal to a specific segment of her father's fanbase. This segment, she believes, prefers a fantastical portrayal over a realistic one.
The film's theatrical release in April 2026 will reveal the full scope of its narrative. Audiences will then be able to judge how it balances the various facets of Michael Jackson's life and legacy.