Jaafar Jackson to play Michael Jackson in new biopic

By Stacy M. BrownBlack Press USA Senior Nationwide Correspondent

The curtain has lastly lifted on one among Hollywood’s most anticipated movies. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and launch date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years within the making. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie will arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson entering into the highlight to painting his legendary uncle.

The trailer wastes no time rekindling the aura of Jackson’s genius. Opening with a studio scene between Jackson and his longtime producer Quincy Jones, performed by Kendrick Sampson, the clip builds from a quiet, acquainted rhythm to the electrifying pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Viewers catch glimpses of the singer’s childhood, flashes of “Thriller,” and the silhouette that redefined popular culture. Every body reminds followers of why Jackson stays unmatched in artistry and affect. 

The forged surrounding the late pop king’s nephew and lead actor reads like a who’s who of Black leisure and music historical past. Colman Domingo performs Joe Jackson, Nia Lengthy portrays Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate takes on the position of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier portrays music government Suzanne de Passe, whereas Kat Graham embodies Diana Ross. Miles Teller performs legal professional John Branca, a towering leisure lawyer and longtime Jackson confidant who later turned co-executor of his property. 

The movie’s journey to launch has been as difficult because the icon it portrays. Manufacturing wrapped in 2024, however authorized hurdles over depictions of previous controversies pressured in depth reshoots and modifying delays. Even so, Fuqua’s movie now seems able to reclaim the narrative, specializing in Jackson’s inventive ambition and humanity past tabloid noise. IndieWire reported that the movie had confronted “an enormous authorized snafu” over a disputed storyline however was retooled to middle the music and legacy that outlined generations.

“Michael” guarantees greater than a chronological retelling. It goals to discover how a baby star from Gary, Ind., turned the world’s most influential entertainer. The script, written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, traces Jackson’s early years with the Jackson 5 via the triumphs and isolation of worldwide superstardom. With Fuqua’s cinematic eye and producer Graham King—who introduced “Bohemian Rhapsody” to life—becoming a member of forces with property executors Branca and John McClain, the movie is positioned as each a tribute and a restoration of Jackson’s cultural reality. 

Branca’s work behind the scenes has lengthy formed Jackson’s posthumous success. After the singer died in 2009, Branca and McClain took management of the property burdened by debt and turned it into a worldwide powerhouse price billions. Underneath their stewardship, Jackson’s tasks have generated greater than $3 billion in worldwide ticket gross sales and landmark offers, together with a $600 million three way partnership with Sony earlier this 12 months. 

At its coronary heart, although, “Michael” is a narrative about artistry that transcends scandal. It gives a reminder that, regardless of the noise surrounding his life, Jackson’s music nonetheless bridges continents and generations. The trailer’s closing moments seize that spirit. Because the beat of “Billie Jean” swells and Jaafar Jackson moonwalks right into a highlight, audiences are left with a well-recognized feeling—the awe of witnessing one thing timeless return residence.

“Michael” opens worldwide in theaters April 24, 2026. See the official trailer right here.