Michael Jackson Biopic Hits Area Theaters Tomorrow

The highly anticipated biopic Michael, released this month, aims to chart the dizzying highs and wrenching lows of Michael Jackson’s life and career. Directed with a stylized eye for performance and intimate character work, the film arrives amid renewed public debate over how to depict the superstar’s artistry alongside the controversies that shadowed his later years.

The movie starts Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who is generating applause for his performance in the title role. Jaafar is also drawing praise for his similar appearance to his uncle, who passed away in 2009.

Jaafar reportedly spent over two years preparing for the role, working with Michael’s original choreographers, Rich and Tone Talauega, to perfect iconic moves like the moonwalk.

The film features Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca. Other portrayals include Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.

Sony Music will release the film’s soundtrack, Michael: Songs From the Motion Picture, on April 24, 2026, featuring remastered classics like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller”. The film itself boasts a high production value with a budget of approximately $155–170 million and visual effects contributed by Industrial Light & Magic.

Check out the trailer below.