Arguably one of, if not the biggest name in music history isMichael Jackson. He’s the third best-selling music artist of all time and his 1982 albumThrillerstill holds the record for the best-selling album of all time. In the wake of successful musician biopics such asBohemian Rhapsody,Elvis,Rocketman, andStraight Outta Compton; it seemed inevitable that the King of Pop would get a biographical movie of his own.
In late 2019, just over a decade after the death of Jackson,it was announced that a biopic was in the works byGraham King, the Academy Award-nominated producer ofBohemian Rhapsody. While the COVID-19 pandemic put a standstill on the project, things have finally picked back up. With a star in place, a release date set, and an esteemed director at the helm, here is everything we know about the Michael Jackson biopic;Michael.
Editor’s Note: This piece was updated on November 5
7Does ‘Michael’ Have a Release Date?
Yes,Michaelis scheduled to premiere on June 10, 2025. Opening on the same date asMichaelisDerek Cianfrance’s crime dramedyRoofman, starringChanning Tatum. This will stick the musical biopic amid the 2025 awards season.
It was originally announced thatMichaelwould be hitting theaters onApril 18, 2024.
6Will ‘Michael’ Receive a Theatrical Release?
Yes, as expected,Michaelwill receive an exclusive theatrical release. Once the theatrical and PVOD windows conclude, the movie will eventually be available to stream on Lionsgate’s Starz service, and eventually on The Roku Channel and Peacock, thanks to deals struck back in 2022.
5Is There a Trailer for ‘Michael’?
No, a trailer has not yet been released forMichael, and since the movie was recently delayed until next fall, there is a good chance that we won’t see one for a while. It would be safe to assume that the first trailer forMichaelwill be released to the public sometime in the spring.
However, the first official footage of the film was shown at Lionsgate’s CinemaCon presentation on June 23, 2025. Collider’sBritta DeVorewas in attendance and recapped what she saw in the footage in a piece for the site, writing:
The trailer opened with thousands of screaming fans in absolute hysterics over the King of Pop. Pulling us back through time, Jackson’s earlier days as a member of his family band,The Jackson 5, are put on display with his mother, Katherine (Nia Long), showering him with loving words of encouragement. As we speed into his adolescent and young adult years, iconic outfits and performances can be picked out while “Man in the Mirror” plays in the background. Not only did we get to see plenty of footage of Jackson’s incredible portrayal of the man behind the music, but there was also a standout moment that featured an unrecognizableColman Domingoas Jackson family patriarch,Joe Jackson.
4What Will ‘Michael’ Be About?
There has been much discussion over what a biopic on Michael Jackson will cover, especially with the music titan’s estate involved. Jackson’s career has been marred in controversy, including allegations of child abuse against Jackson, and Jackson’s own allegations against his father,Joe Jackson. In aninterview with Collider’sSteve Weintraub, directorAntoine Fuquaclarified what the movie will cover, saying:
" I’m gonna show you the facts as I know it, give you a better insight on Michael as an artist, as a human being—the good, bad, and the ugly—and let people decide for themselves on what they feel about Michael Jackson. That’s what I wanna do. I think it’s worthwhile."
The official synopsis forMichaelfrom Lionsgate reads:
MICHAEL will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.
3Who Will Star in ‘Michael’?
Taking on the role of Michael Jackson is no easy task and one that would be intimidating for any young actor to take on. Jackson’s nephew,Jaafar Jackson, will be playing Michael Jackson as an adult. This will be the 27-year-old’s first acting credit, although he does have a striking resemblance to his late uncle. Michael’s motherKatherine Jacksondeclared her approval of Jaafar, saying:
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”
On January 19,Jackson released a photo of himself, in character as his uncle, on his Instagram.
Lionsgate releasedthe first official look at Jafar Jackson in characteron February 13, through their X account.
Playing Michael Jackson as a child isJuliano Krue Valdi, who, much like Jaafar Jackson, has no prior acting credits to his name. Fuqua expressed his excitement over Valdi’s casting in a statement, saying:
“If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? In the end, that was our focus – talent – and we looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list”.
Academy Award nomineeColman Domingo(Sing Sing), will be playing Jackson’s father,Joe Jackson. Graham King talked about his enthusiasm for Domingo’s casting, saying:
“Few actors present themselves with Colman’s screen presence and force of will. We’re so fortunate to have an actor with his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen. We couldn’t be more excited to have him join us on this journey.”
Other cast members involved inMichaelincludeNia Long(The Best Man Holiday) as Katherine Jackson,Miles Teller(Top Gun: Maverick) as John Branca,Laura Harrier(Spider-Man: Homecoming) as Suzanne de Passe,Joseph David-Jones(Arrow) as Jackie Jackson,Kat Graham(The Vampire Diaries) as Diana Ross,Larenz Tate(Power) as Berry Gordy,Jessica Sula(Split) as La Toya Jackson,Kevin Shinick(Robot Chicken) as Dick Clark,KeiLyn Durrel Jones(Succession) as Bill Bray,Kendrick Sampson(Insecure) as Quincy Jones, andDerek Luke(Captain America: The First Avenger) as Johnnie Cochran.
Other cast members includeJamal R. HendersonandJayden Harvilleas Jermaine Jackson;Tre HortonandJaylen Lyndon Hunteras Marlon Jackson;Rhyan HillandJudah Edwardsas Tito Jackson;Joseph David-JonesandNathaniel Logan McIntyreas Jackie Jackson; andLiv Symoneas Gladys Knight.
2Who Is Making ‘Michael’?
As previously stated, Antoine Fuqua is directingMichael. Fuqua is most known for directing action and crime movies such asThe Equalizertrilogy,Training Day,The Magnificent Seven,The Guilty,Shooter, andOlympus Has Fallen. Although he has occasionally ventured into more dramatic territory with theJake Gyllenhaalboxing movieSouthpawand theWill Smithhistorical thrillerEmancipation.Michaelis a passion project for Fuqua, who expressed his admiration for the artist in a press release.
“For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”
While talking to Collider’sSteve Weintraubat San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024,Fuqua talked about the status of the film and why he wanted to make it.
“Why I wanted to make it? It’s Michael. I’m in the early stages of editing the film right now. We just wrapped on May 30. I’m very excited about it. I’m very happy with what we got in the can. Like I said, it’s so early in the editing process, so I don’t want to talk too much about it. Michael was a big part of my life growing up, a big influence on my career, an incredible artist, but he was a human being and we’re exploring that. I’m very excited about it.”
John Logan, the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter behindGladiator,The Aviator, andHugo, penned the screenplay forMichael. Outside of his awards-oriented movies, Logan also wrote the screenplays for the James Bond moviesSkyfallandSpectre.
Graham King will produce the movie alongsideJohn McClainandJohn Branca, the co-executors of Jackson’s estate.David B. Householter(Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) serves as the film’s executive producer.
Academy Award winnerDion Beebe(Memoirs of Geisha) will provide the cinematography forMichael, with Academy Award winnerBarbara Ling(Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) serving as the production designer.
1Is ‘Michael’ Filming?
Filming was initially expected to begin in Santa Barbara, California in September 2023, but was ultimately delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA Strikes. On July 21, 2025, filming finally began. Filming eventuallywrapped four months later on July 19, 2025.
