Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Opens in UK Cinemas to Mixed Reviews
The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' opened in UK and Irish cinemas on Wednesday 22 April to a mixed critical reception, with reviewers praising its musical sequences but criticising the film for avoiding the more controversial aspects of the pop star's life.
The film, starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role alongside Juliano Valdi as the young Michael, has been one of the most anticipated — and controversial — film releases of 2026. With a reported budget of $200 million, it is one of the most expensive music biopics ever made.
Critical Reception
Reviews have been sharply divided. Metro described the film as "musically masterful but deep as a puddle," noting that it avoids discussing molestation allegations due to a settlement clause that reportedly added $50 million to the production budget. The BBC Culture review was similarly critical, calling the film a "whitewash" and "ghoulish," with critics finding it "bland, barely competent" and accusing it of removing "everything that might be deemed dramatic."
The Guardian's review described the film as "cliched" and "bowdlerised," arguing that by sanitising Jackson's story, the filmmakers have produced a work that fails to do justice to either the extraordinary talent or the profound controversies that defined his life and legacy. The film carries a 12A age rating and runs for 2 hours and 7 minutes.
Box Office Expectations
Despite the critical mauling, the film is expected to perform strongly at the box office, driven by the enduring global popularity of Michael Jackson's music and the curiosity of fans worldwide. The film's musical sequences, featuring Jackson's iconic catalogue, have been widely praised even by critics who found the overall film disappointing.
The UK release comes as part of a global rollout, with the film already generating significant box office revenue in other markets. For reviews, see The Guardian.
What's Next?
The film's commercial performance in the UK and Ireland will be closely watched by the industry as an indicator of whether audiences are willing to overlook critical consensus in favour of nostalgia and spectacle. Further major film releases are scheduled for late April, including several British productions that will compete for screen time in the coming weeks.
