The prolific life and career of Michael Jackson will be hitting the big screen in 2026 thanks to a new biopic.
Back in 2023, Lionsgate announced that a biopic about the King of Pop – simply titled Michael – was in the works. Throughout 2023, news of the biopic was kept under wraps. But as of February, 2024, fans received their first official glimpse at Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle Michael.
Here’s everything we know so far.
Who is in the cast of the Michael Jackson biopic?
Michael will be portrayed by his 29-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson who is the son of Jermaine Jackson. Though there was a worldwide casting search for who would play Michael, filmmakers ultimately decided to cast Jaafar for the role.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” the biopic’s director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement to Variety. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
As well as portraying the mega success of his Thriller years, the biopic will begin looking at Michael’s upbringing and childhood fame with The Jackson 5. It was announced in January 2024 that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray young Michael.
Michael’s parents will also heavily feature in the upcoming film. Portraying Joe Jackson is Colman Domingo and portraying the Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson will be Nia Long.
Janet Jackson was notably asbent from the movie. During the Hollywood premiere, her sister La Toya Jackson revealed why.
“I wish everybody was in the movie,” La Toya told Variety. “She was asked and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes.”
When will the biopic be released?
The film is set to hit theatres worldwide on April 24, 2026.
What will the Michael Jackson biopic be about?
A synopsis of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic says: “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
“The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale – from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances,” the statement continues. “As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
What has Michael Jackson’s family said about the film?
It appears that Michael Jackson’s estate is heavily involved with the biopic but the biggest ‘seal of approval’ so far comes from the Jackson matriarch herself.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson to The Hollywood Reporter.
However, Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter critised Colman Domingo’s comment made to People, suggesting she supported the film.
“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had 0% involvement in lol that is so weird,” she wrote on Instagram, per The Guardian. “I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest / didn’t sit right with me and when they didn’t address it, I moved on with my life.”
