A still from ‘Michael’
| Photo Credit: Lionsgate Movies
The first trailer for Michael, the long-awaited biopic about the life and legacy of Michael Jackson, has finally arrived. hile fans are praising Jaafar Jackson’s uncanny transformation into his late uncle, critics are already raising concerns about the film’s selective portrayal of the pop legend’s life.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) and produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King, the $155 million production charts Jackson’s journey from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his reign as the “King of Pop.” Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator) handles the script. The film also stars Colman Domingo as patriarch Joe Jackson, alongside Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Laura Harrier in key roles.
The teaser, which racked up over 30 million views within hours of release, highlights glittering performances and creative triumphs, but notably omits more controversial aspects of Jackson’s story, including the allegations of abuse that shadowed his later years.
Fuqua’s film has faced reports of creative tension and multiple reshoots following its initial wrap in mid-2024. Early drafts reportedly struggled to balance Jackson’s genius with his controversies, prompting criticism from Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed, who called the film “startlingly disingenuous” after reviewing an early script. Jackson’s daughter Paris also distanced herself from the production, writing on Instagram that she had “zero percent involvement” and that the film “panders to a specific section” of her father’s fandom.
Still, anticipation remains high for the Lionsgate-backed project. Producer Graham King has described Michael as “a humanising yet unsanitised portrayal,” while Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson praised Jaafar Jackson’s “stunning” performance, calling the film “an event years in the making.”
Lionsgate has confirmed Michael will hit theatres on April 24, 2026, with discussions already underway for a potential sequel.
Published – November 07, 2025 11:18 am IST
