Michael Jackson biopic unveils first trailer with nephew in lead role

Lionsgate released the first trailer for “Michael,” a biopic about Michael Jackson, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut, directed by Antoine Fuquavariety.
The film is scheduled to premiere in theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026, after multiple delays from its original October 2025 release datevariety.
The trailer showcases recreations of iconic moments including the “Thriller” music video and features Jaafar Jackson replicating his uncle’s legendary dance routines and performanceshollywoodreporter.
The biopic faced significant production challenges, including legal complications that forced filmmakers to reshoot portions of the film, with 22 days of additional filming conducted in June 2025hollywoodreporter.
The star-studded cast includes Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, with a screenplay by John Logan and production by Graham Kingvariety.

Michael Jackson Biopic Unveils First Trailer Featuring Nephew Jaafar Jackson

Lionsgate released the highly anticipated first trailer for “Michael” on Thursday, offering fans their initial glimpse of the King of Pop’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the iconic role of his late uncle. The biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026, after enduring multiple delays and production challenges.variety

The teaser opens with Jackson in a recording studio alongside Quincy Jones, portrayed by Kendrick Sampson, who declares, “The tracks are made. The songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top”. Set to Jackson’s 1982 hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” the trailer showcases a montage spanning Jackson’s early years through his most memorable performances, including a striking recreation of the legendary “Thriller” music video.hollywoodreporter

Troubled Production History

The film’s journey to the screen has been marked by significant setbacks. Originally scheduled for release in April 2025, “Michael” faced legal complications that forced filmmakers to completely reshoot the third act. The issues stemmed from a legal agreement between Jackson’s representatives and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993 and received a $20 million settlement, with terms prohibiting the dramatization of Chandler’s narrative in any Jackson film.worldofreel

These complications led to 22 days of additional filming in June 2025 and ultimately resulted in a complete reworking of the movie’s ending. According to industry reports, director Fuqua originally had a cut running nearly four hours long, which Lionsgate initially planned to split into two parts. The finished version now focuses on Jackson’s rise to superstardom in the 1980s, with all material covering his later controversies removed.wikipedia

Star-Studded Cast and Production Team

Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, makes his feature film debut portraying his uncle. The ensemble cast includes Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. The film is produced by Graham King, known for his work on the Oscar-winning “Bohemian Rhapsody,” alongside John Branca and John McClain, with a screenplay by John Logan.variety

“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” Fuqua told Variety earlier this year. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera”. The film promises to feature over 30 of Jackson’s songs and chronicle his transformation from Jackson Five member to global icon.people