Fans are getting their first glimpse of Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in the new trailer for “Michael” — a sweeping biopic about the life of the King of Pop. The film is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026.
The trailer opens with Jackson in the studio alongside producer Quincy Jones, portrayed by Kendrick Sampson. Jones says, “I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top.”
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From there, the clip flashes between scenes of Jackson’s childhood, rehearsals and legendary performances. Meanwhile, in the background, the unmistakable beat of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” plays.
Inside the film
Alongside Jaafar, the film also features Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as his father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as his sister LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
The biopic examines Jackson’s life, from his journey to stardom to his untimely death in 2009. The synopsis, according to Variety, reads, “‘Michael’ explores the global superstar’s journey to become known to the world as the King of Pop, presenting an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Controversy and possible two-part release
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film warped production in May 2024. However, it reportedly underwent reshoots amid talk of splitting into two parts.
Deadline reports that the original cut ran about three and a half hours. It included material involving one of Jackson’s abuse accusers despite a settlement that prohibits dramatizing those events. Sources say the Jackson estate initially missed that detail when development began.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson told Deadline, “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.”
