The first trailer for Michael, the long-awaited biopic about Michael Jackson, has officially been released. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures unveiled the teaser on November 6, offering a first look at Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the King of Pop, portraying the global icon in a film that charts his life from child prodigy in the Jackson 5 to his death in 2009.
The trailer teases recording sessions with Quincy Jones — played by Kendrick Sampson of Insecure and How to Get Away with Murder — as Jackson begins work on some of his most iconic hits. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, who has worked on films such as Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo. Michael is set for release on April 24, 2026.
In the trailer, Jones’ voice cuts through the studio mix, saying, “I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready, let’s take it from the top,” as the unmistakable beat of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” fills the background. The film, first announced in 2022, promises to explore Jackson’s rise, artistry, and personal struggles through a mix of dramatized scenes and recreated performances.
Production on Michael wrapped in May 2024, but delays and reshoots pushed its release twice. The film has already stirred controversy, particularly after Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, criticized the project for “sugar-coating” her father’s story and excluding the family from involvement. Despite her objections, production pressed forward, adding another layer of tension to an already polarizing portrayal. Whether the film becomes a definitive tribute or another glossy spectacle remains to be seen.
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