The wait for one of the most talked-about biopics of the decade is finally over. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures have released the first trailer for Michael, the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. The trailer offers an evocative look at the life, legacy, and contradictions of the pop icon who redefined global music and performance. It confirms the film’s new worldwide release date of April 24, 2026, marking the beginning of a major campaign for what is expected to be one of next year’s most scrutinised releases.
The project, years in the making, reunites the filmmaker behind Training Day and Emancipation with screenwriter John Logan, best known for Gladiator and The Aviator. Together, they aim to chart Jackson’s rise from the electrifying Motown years with the Jackson 5 to his transformation into the most successful solo artist of all time. Taking on the monumental task of portraying Michael is Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, whose uncanny resemblance and familiarity with his uncle’s mannerisms have already generated buzz across social media. The film also stars Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Nia Long, and Laura Harrier in supporting roles, bringing together a cast that bridges biographical authenticity with Hollywood prestige.
The trailer opens with the unmistakable silhouette of the King of Pop, set against thunderous cheers and stage lights, before flashing through moments that defined generations — the moonwalk, the Thriller choreography, and the global hysteria of his tours. “I know you have been waiting a long time for this,” Jaafar’s Jackson says in voice-over, acknowledging both the film’s production delays and the enduring curiosity surrounding his uncle’s life. The footage promises not just celebration but complexity, offering glimpses of a man balancing fame, family, and inner turmoil under the relentless glare of worldwide adoration.
According to industry sources, Michael was initially slated for release in April 2025, then postponed to October 2025 before being pushed to April 2026 to accommodate extensive reshoots and creative refinements. Director Antoine Fuqua has reportedly spent months re-staging concert sequences and fine-tuning visual effects to preserve the physical and emotional intensity of Jackson’s performances. Reports from media outlets suggest that the production team even considered splitting the film into two parts due to its vast timeline — a narrative that stretches from Jackson’s early career in Gary, Indiana, through the 1980s peak of Bad and Dangerous, and into his later years marked by controversy and reinvention.
While the trailer largely focuses on Jackson’s artistry and stage presence, discussions have already ignited around how the film will approach the more contentious aspects of his legacy. The filmmakers have described the project as one that aims to “humanize but not sanitize” the musician’s life, hinting at a story that does not shy away from complexity. Produced in collaboration with the Jackson estate, Michael has drawn both support and skepticism from fans and critics alike. Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, recently distanced herself from the film, saying in a social media post that she had no involvement and expressing concern over Hollywood’s tendency to distort the truth.
Despite these controversies, anticipation remains high. The teaser, released through official Lionsgate and Universal channels, amassed millions of views within hours, with fans praising Jaafar Jackson’s physical likeness and stage precision. The film’s musical sequences — supervised by producers from Jackson’s original tour teams — promise to recreate entire live performances using archival sound and newly remastered visuals. The production has reportedly leaned heavily on practical staging and choreography to preserve the kinetic energy of Jackson’s shows rather than relying on excessive CGI.
As of now, Lionsgate is positioning Michael as a major 2026 awards contender, with expectations that the film will balance box office appeal with critical scrutiny. For Antoine Fuqua, who has built a career portraying morally complex heroes, the challenge lies in capturing both the extraordinary spectacle and the personal cost of Jackson’s fame. The result, as suggested by the trailer’s tone, may be a film that oscillates between reverence and reckoning — an exploration of the man behind the myth.
With Michael set to moonwalk into theaters next April, the trailer marks the beginning of a long publicity campaign that will likely dominate pop-culture conversations well into 2026. Whether audiences approach it with nostalgia, curiosity, or caution, one thing is certain: the story of Michael Jackson, told by those who knew and studied him best, is once again ready to claim the spotlight.
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