TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The King of Pop is moonwalking back into the spotlight, but this time on the silver screen. Lionsgate’s highly anticipated biopic, Michael, promises to revive the unparalleled energy, brilliance, and mystery of Michael Jackson’s life like never before.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film offers a cinematic journey through the highs, heartaches, and history-making moments that defined one of music’s most electrifying figures.
As anticipation peaks at new heights, fans are getting their first real glimpse of Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s own nephew, stepping seamlessly into his uncle’s legendary shoes. In the recently released teaser, Jaafar channels the late icon’s unmistakable style, from his razor-sharp dance moves to the timeless “Thriller” choreography that changed pop culture forever.
Set to capture both the spectacle and the soul behind the stardom, here’s everything we know so far about the project that is poised to make cinematic history, as cited from various sources.
Michael Jackson Biopic Casts
A 29-year-old Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, will portray the King of Pop.
Sharing the news with fans on Instagram, Jaafar expressed deep reverence for the role, writing, “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” alongside a striking photo of himself mirroring his uncle’s iconic look.
Reports from Deadline and People also announced a star-studded cast, including Colman Domingo as the formidable family patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as matriarch Katherine, Jessica Sula as LaToya, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as trailblazing executive Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross.
Lionsgate further revealed that young prodigy Juliano Krue Valdi, just nine years old, will play Michael in his Jackson 5 era alongside Jayden Harville, Jamal R. Henderson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Tre Horton, Judah Edwards, Rhyan Hill, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, and Joseph David-Jones as the Jackson brothers.
Adding to the ensemble, Miles Teller is set to play John Branca, the visionary manager who helped propel Michael Jackson into superstardom with Thriller.
Michael Jackson Biopic Release Date
Lionsgate confirmed that Michael, the highly anticipated biopic of the King of Pop, will officially premiere in theaters worldwide on April 24, 2026.
In a statement shared in January 2024, the studio revealed that principal photography began the week of January 22 and wrapped in May of the same year, marking a major milestone for the production. “We set out to create a cinematic experience that captures both the legend and the man behind the music,” a Lionsgate spokesperson said, describing the project as one of the studio’s most ambitious undertakings to date.
While the film was initially slated for an October release, its spring debut is expected to give audiences a closer look at Michael Jackson’s journey from prodigy to pop icon. Speculation continues to swirl around whether the story will explore the controversies surrounding his later life, but for now, the studio remains focused on honoring his unparalleled artistic legacy.
Summary of Michael Jackson Biopic
According to its official synopsis, “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
The film aims to capture not only his breathtaking artistry and era-defining performances but also the complexity of his personal journey, including the triumphs, the turbulence, and the unrelenting pursuit of perfection.
“Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before,” the description shared.
First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic
The first teaser trailer for Michael premiered in November 2025, offering audiences a mesmerizing first look at Jaafar Jackson embodying his legendary uncle.
The trailer opens in an intimate recording studio, where Jaafar’s Jackson quietly requests, “Can you lower the lights for me, please?” before slipping on his headphones.
From there, the teaser escalates into a visual symphony of Michael Jackson’s meteoric rise, flashing between sold-out arenas, electrifying performances, and the unforgettable “Thriller” music video.
With meticulous attention to detail, Jaafar seamlessly transforms through the eras of Michael’s career, from the soulful young prodigy to the boundary-breaking icon of the “Bad” tour, capturing the very spirit of a performer who forever changed the stage of pop culture.
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