Without a doubt, one of the most important names in the history of music is, if not Michael Jackson. He is the third best-selling music artist of all time and his 1982 album suspended still holds the record for the best-selling album of all time. In the wake of successful musician biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody, elvis, rocket mani Direct from Compton; it seemed inevitable that the King of Pop would have a biopic of his own.
In late 2019, just over a decade after Jackson's death, it was announced that a biopic of Graham Kingthe Academy Award-nominated producer of Bohemian Rhapsody. Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought the project to a halt, things have finally picked up. With a star in place, a release date set and a beloved director at the helm, here's everything we know about the Michael Jackson biopic; Michael.
Editor's note: This piece was updated on April 21, 2024.
Michael (2025)
- Publication date
- April 18, 2025
- chaste
- Jaafar Jackson, Miles Teller, Juliano Krue Valdi, Jayden Harville, Jamal R. Henderson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Tre Horton, Judah Edwards, Rhyan Hill, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Joseph David-Jones
- writers
- John Logan
- Studies
- GK Films
- Distributor(s)
- Lionsgate
Does 'Michael' have a release date?
Yes, Michael will be released on April 18, 2025, which is Easter weekend. From now on, Michael will be the only film to be released on that date, as Universal had previously scrapped the horror sequel The Exorcist: The Trickster from that weekend slot.
Will 'Michael' get a theatrical release?
Yes, as expected, Michael will receive an exclusive theatrical release. After the theatrical and PVOD windows conclude, the film will be available to stream on Lionsgate's Starz service, and eventually The Roku Channel and Peacock, thanks to deals made in 2022.
Is there a trailer for 'Michael'?
No, a trailer has not been released yet Michael, and since the biopic is still in production, there's a good chance we won't see one for a while. It would be safe to assume that the first trailer for Michael will be released to the public before the end of 2024.
However, the first official footage from the film was shown at Lionsgate's CinemaCon presentation on April 10, 2024. Collider's Britta DeVore attended and summarized what he saw in the images in a piece for the site, writing:
The trailer opened with thousands of fans screaming in absolute hysteria for the King of Pop. Taking us back in time, to Jackson's early days as a member of his family band,
The Jackson 5
are shown with their mother, Katherine (Nia Long
), filling it with loving words of encouragement. As we progress through his teenage and young adult years, iconic outfits and performances can be picked out as “Man in the Mirror” plays in the background. Not only did we get to see plenty of footage of Jackson's incredible portrayal of the man behind the music, but there was also one standout moment that featured an unrecognizable image.
Colman Domingo
as the patriarch of the Jackson family,
Joe Jackson
.
What will 'Michael' be about?
There has been a lot of discussion about what a Michael Jackson biopic will be about, especially with the music titan's ownership involved. Jackson's career has been marred by controversy, including allegations of child abuse against Jackson and allegations by Jackson against his father, Joe Jackson. In an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraubdirector Antoine Fuqua clarified what the film will be about, saying:
“I'm going to show you the facts as I know them, give you a better view of Michael as an artist, as a human being (the good, the bad and the ugly) and let people decide for themselves what they feel. Michael Jackson , that's what I want to do, I think it's worth it.
The official synopsis of Michael of Lionsgate says:
MICHAEL will offer audiences a fascinating and honest portrait of the brilliant but 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. Like never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential and pioneering artists the world has ever known.
Who will star in 'Michael'?
Taking on the role of Michael Jackson is no easy task and would be intimidating for any young actor. Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play Michael Jackson as an adult. This will be the 27-year-old's first acting credit, although he bears a striking resemblance to his late uncle. Michael's mother Katherine Jacksondeclared his approval of Jaafar, saying:
“Jaafar embodies my son. It's so wonderful to see him carry on Jackson's legacy of artists and performers.”
On January 19, Jackson posted a photo of himself, in character as his uncle, on his Instagram.
Lionsgate released the first official image of Jafar Jackson's character on February 13, via their X account.
Playing Michael Jackson as a kid is Julian Krue Valdi, who, like Jaafar Jackson, has no previous acting credits to his name. Fuqua expressed her excitement over Valdi's casting in a statement, saying:
“If anything, casting the role of young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? In the end, that was our approach: the talent. and we were looking for an actor who could embody the spirit of Michael through his voice, his charisma and undeniable raw talent put him at the top of our list.”
Colman Domingowhich recently received its first Academy Award nomination Rustinwill play Jackson's father, Joe Jackson. Graham King spoke about his enthusiasm for the casting of Domingo, saying:
“Few actors come across with the screen presence and willpower of Colman. We are fortunate to have an actor of his undeniable talent playing Joe Jackson on screen. We couldn't be more excited to have him with us in this trip.”
Other cast members involved Michael to include Nia Long (The best man's vacation) as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick) as John Branca, Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming) like Suzanne de Passe, Joseph David-Jones (Arrow) as Jackie Jackson, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as Diana Ross, Lawrence Tate (power) as Berry Gordy, Jessica Sula (Split) as La Toya Jackson, Kevin Shinick (robot chicken) as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones (Succession) as Billy Bray, and Kendrick Sampson (insecure) as Quincy Jones.
Other cast members include Jamal R. Henderson i Jayden Harville like Jermaine Jackson; Tre Horton i Jaylen Lyndon Hunter like Marlon Jackson; Rhyan Hill i Judah Edwards like Tito Jackson; Joseph David-Jones i Nathaniel Logan McIntyre like Jackie Jackson; i Liv Symone like Gladys Knight.
Who is doing “Michael”?
As previously stated, Antoine Fuqua directs Michael. Fuqua is best known for directing action and crime films such as The Equalizer trilogy, training day, The Magnificent Seven, The Guilty, Door handlei Olympus has fallen. Although he has occasionally ventured into more dramatic territory with the Jake Gyllenhaal boxing movie Southpaw and the Will Smith historical thriller emancipation. Michael is a passion project for Fuqua, who expressed his admiration for the artist in a press release.
“To me, there is no artist with the power, charisma and musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work, the first black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. The his music. and those images are part of my worldview, and the opportunity to tell his story on screen alongside his music was irresistible.”
John Loganthe Academy Award-nominated screenwriter behind gladiator, The Aviatori Hugowrote the screenplay Michael. Outside of his award-winning films, Logan also wrote the screenplays for the James Bond films Skyfall i spectrum.
Graham King will produce the film alongside John McClain i Joan Brancathe co-executors of the Jackson estate. David B. Householter (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) serves as the film's executive producer.
Academy Award Winner Dion Beebe (Memoirs of a Geisha) will provide the photograph for Michaelwith Academy Award winner Barbara Ling (Once upon a time in Hollywood) acting as production designer.
Is 'Michael' shooting?
Filming was originally expected to begin in Santa Barbara, California in September 2023, but was ultimately delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes. On January 22, 2024, filming finally began.
