One of the most controversial films expected to hit theaters in the near future is Michael, a highly anticipated biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua that chronicles the complex life of Michael Jackson. While early footage has received glowing reviews, the film’s release has been delayed due to various legal challenges. The studio, Lionsgate, initially aimed for it to be a significant contender during the awards season and a blockbuster hit this year. However, it has now been confirmed that the film will have its global theatrical release on April 24, 2026, with a sequel already in the works. So, what is the latest update on Michael? Here’s everything we currently know.
Produced by Graham King, the individual behind the successful Bohemian Rhapsody, which grossed nearly $1 billion globally and garnered several Academy Awards, Michael has faced numerous pre-release challenges. Although production was reported to proceed without major issues, the controversy surrounding Jackson’s personal life, particularly the way the film addresses it, has become a sticking point. This is not unexpected, as Jackson remains a polarizing figure in pop culture, celebrated for his musical brilliance yet scrutinized for decades of troubling allegations.
Antoine Fuqua, renowned for films like Training Day and the Equalizer trilogy, directs the film based on a screenplay by Oscar nominee John Logan, known for his work on Gladiator and Skyfall. Early reports indicate that the film aims to encompass the entirety of Jackson’s career, beginning with his rise as a star in The Jackson 5, progressing through the monumental success of albums like Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, and touching on the more complicated final years of his life. However, details about the specific timeline remain unclear.
What we do know is that two actors have been cast to portray Michael Jackson: Juliano Krue Valdi as the young Michael and Jaafar Jackson—the pop icon’s real-life nephew—as the adult version. This familial connection raised eyebrows, but Lionsgate has expressed confidence in the casting choice. In fact, they showcased an early sizzle reel at CinemaCon 2024, which reportedly left a strong impression on attendees, highlighting Jaafar’s physical resemblance and on-screen charisma.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Nia Long takes on the role of Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, while Colman Domingo, a two-time Oscar nominee, portrays his father, Joe Jackson. The elder Jackson’s legacy is complicated; he is often viewed as both abusive and a driving force behind The Jackson 5’s rise to superstardom. Miles Teller is cast as John Branca, the long-time music attorney and co-executor of Jackson’s estate, while Derek Luke portrays the renowned attorney Johnnie Cochran, who defended Jackson against the allegations of child molestation in 1993. This inclusion indicates that the film intends to delve deeply into Jackson’s tumultuous life.
The narrative surrounding this part of Jackson’s life is reportedly what led to the current legal complications. According to sources, the settlement between the filmmakers and the Jackson estate, which allowed access to his music and image, prohibits dramatizing the 1993 allegations or any controversial aspects of Jackson’s legal battles. Insiders suggest that certain scenes may have overstepped this boundary, leading to a significant 22-day round of reshoots earlier this year. Nevertheless, all parties involved have publicly denied that these reshoots were related to any legal issues.
What Are the Official Reasons Behind the Reshoots of the Film?
Lionsgate has stated that the film’s scope was simply too expansive for a single installment. The original cut reportedly exceeded three hours, prompting the studio to expand Michael into two films due to its strong commercial potential. The first film is expected to focus on Jackson’s childhood and his early solo career, likely concluding with the release of Off the Wall in 1979. The second installment will cover the Thriller era and beyond, delving into the peak of Jackson’s fame, his eccentric public persona, and the various controversies that marred his later years. Currently, with the second part still under development, it remains uncertain how thoroughly the first film will cover Jackson’s illustrious career.
Dividing the narrative may also serve a dual purpose by tackling Jackson’s life in two distinct phases. The first part is widely seen as inspirational, brimming with talent, ambition, and youthful achievements, while the second half is more complicated and contentious. By initially focusing on the more universally appealing aspects of his life, Lionsgate may be strategically mitigating potential backlash and allowing time to refine the more sensitive material.
When Lionsgate executives began hinting at the possibility of delaying the project’s release until 2026, they referred to a need for “creative fine-tuning.”
One fact is undeniable: when Michael finally premieres in theaters, it is sure to ignite discussions and debates. For some, Jackson is an iconic, misunderstood genius, while for others, he represents a deeply flawed individual who used his fame and power to evade accountability. Given that the film is being produced in close collaboration with the Jackson estate, which controls the rights to his music and image, it is likely that Michael will portray a largely sympathetic view of Jackson’s life. Whether that portrayal resonates truthfully with audiences remains to be seen.
Until that moment arrives, Michael stands as one of the most eagerly anticipated—and thoroughly scrutinized—films in contemporary cinema.
