Michael Jackson Biopic Opens in US Theatres as Jaafar Jackson Steps Into His Uncle's Iconic Shoes
The Michael Jackson biographical drama Michael opened in US theatres on April 24, 2026, with Jaafar Jackson — the King of Pop's nephew — delivering a widely praised performance in the lead role. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate Films, the film opened on more than 3,500 screens nationwide, including IMAX auditoriums, and is projected to be one of the year's biggest box office draws.
Background
The film traces Michael Jackson's life from his early childhood as the lead of the Jackson 5 through his rise as a global solo superstar, concluding with the beginning of the Bad tour in 1988. The narrative deliberately ends before the child sexual abuse allegations that emerged in the 1990s — a decision shaped in part by a legal settlement clause with one of Jackson's accusers, which required the removal of references to the 1993 allegations from an earlier version of the script.
The production had a lengthy journey to the screen, experiencing delays including those caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Principal photography began in January 2024 and concluded in May 2024, with reshoots taking place in June 2025 following script revisions. The final budget is estimated at $165 to $170 million, with reshoots adding approximately $10 to $15 million.
Key Developments
Jaafar Jackson, who bears a striking physical resemblance to his uncle, has drawn significant attention for his portrayal of the adult Michael. The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson's longtime attorney. The screenplay was written by John Logan, and the film was produced by Graham King alongside Branca and John McClain.
The film's soundtrack features 13 songs spanning the Jackson 5 era and Jackson's landmark solo albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Preview screenings were held on April 22 in premium format auditoriums ahead of the wide release. The film carries a PG-13 rating and runs 127 minutes.
Why It Matters
The release of Michael is a major cultural event, arriving more than 16 years after Jackson's death in 2009. The film reignites public debate about how to separate an artist's legacy from the controversies surrounding their personal life — a conversation that has intensified in the streaming era. The casting of a family member in the lead role adds an unusual personal dimension to the project.
The film's commercial performance will also be closely watched as a barometer of audience appetite for large-scale music biopics following the success of films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis.
What's Next
Box office results from the opening weekend will be reported on April 27. Critics' reviews have been mixed, with praise for Jaafar Jackson's performance but some debate over the film's handling of its subject's more controversial chapters. International releases are being handled by Universal Pictures International.
Sources: Wikipedia — Michael (2026 film); Commercial Appeal; Fandango
