Witness the rise of the late King of Pop on the big screen. Michael, the highly anticipated Michael biopic from Lionsgate, is set to hit theaters in 2026, giving fans an intimate look at the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. The film stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role and features an ensemble cast portraying key figures from the “Billie Jean” hitmaker’s personal and professional journey.
Hollywood Life has compiled all the details about the upcoming Michael biopic.
When is the Release Date for the Michael Jackson Biopic?
Michael will be released in theaters on April 24, 2026. However, for those looking to catch early screenings, there will be one-night-only screenings starting on April 22.
What Can We Expect from the Michael Movie Trailer?
The teaser for Michael debuted on November 6, 2025, offering brief glimpses of Jaafar as his late uncle — from recording studio moments and early days with the Jackson 5 to nods at Michael Jackson’s most iconic performances.
The official full trailer, released ahead of the film’s April 24, 2026, theatrical debut, expands on that first look at Jaafar, giving audiences an extended view of Jaafar fully embodying the King of Pop and tracing Michael’s rise from child star to global icon.
Who Are the Cast Members of the Michael Biopic?
As previously mentioned, Jaafar will play his late uncle, Michael, and he is joined by a recognizable cast. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Michael’s father; Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother. The rest of the Jackson family features Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson, Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson, Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Miles Teller as John Branca, an entertainment lawyer and manager.
The rest of the cast includes Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Jayden Harville as young Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as young Marlon, Judah Edwards as young Tito Joseph, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as young Jackie, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Michael’s older sister; Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Michael’s bodyguard; Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones; and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran.
