First Trailer For The Michael Jackson Biopic MICHAEL Teases an Epic Look Into the Life of the King of Pop
Lionsgate has dropped the first trailer for Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic Michael, giving fans a first look at the cinematic journey that aims to capture the life and legacy of Michael Jackson.
The teaser will make its theatrical debut ahead of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated music biopics in years.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, stepping into the role of his legendary uncle with uncanny resemblance and energy. The trailer opens in the studio, where a young Michael works with Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson).
Jones looks at him and says, “I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top.” From there, the trailer moves through flashes of Michael’s journey, his childhood days with the Jackson 5, electrifying stage performances, and the unforgettable Thriller era, all set to the infectious beat of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
Alongside Jaafar, the star-studded cast includes Miles Teller as attorney and adviser John Branca, Colman Domingo as family patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
Additional cast members feature Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones ,who first met Michael when he was just 12.
Michael is scheduled to moonwalk into theaters on April 24, 2026. The film wrapped production in May 2024 and was followed by some reshoots, sparking rumors that it might be split into two parts. Judging from the trailer, however, this looks like one complete story.
The official synopsis reads: “Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.
“The film tells the story of Michael Jackson's (starring his cousin Jaafar Jackson) life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
“Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”
Written by John Logan (Alien: Covenant, Rango), Michael promises to offer an intimate and cinematic look at the man behind the music, the genius, the icon, and the complex human being whose influence still reverberates around the world.