Michael (2026) Biopic: Release Date, Cast, Controversy & Everything We Know

With the backing of the Jackson estate and a script by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, the project aims to go beyond the headlines. However, the production has not been without its own drama, facing release delays, extensive reshoots, and intense public debate regarding its handling of the singer’s complex legacy and controversy.

Official Release Date and Delays

Initially slated for April 2025, and later pushed to October 2025, Michael is now locked in for a worldwide theatrical release on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution in the United States, while Universal Pictures is managing the international rollout.

The delays have been attributed to several factors:

• SAG-AFTRA Strikes: Like many major productions, filming was paused during the Hollywood labor disputes of 2023.
• Extensive Reshoots: Reports confirm that the production team returned for significant additional photography in June 2025. Industry insiders suggest these reshoots were necessary to refine critical narrative arcs, particularly those involving the later years of Jackson’s life.
• Post-Production Visual Effects: Recreating the spectacle of the Bad and Dangerous tours, as well as the intricate makeup required to age the lead actor through four decades, requires an extended timeline.

Casting Jaafar Jackson: A Family Affair

Perhaps the most discussed aspect of the film is the casting of the lead role. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew (son of Jermaine Jackson), will make his feature film debut as the King of Pop. Early footage shown at CinemaCon and leaked set photos have stunned audiences with Jaafar’s uncanny resemblance to his uncle, mastering everything from the soft-spoken vocal cadence to the iconic choreography.

Director Antoine Fuqua addressed the casting choice, stating that after a worldwide search, it became clear that Jaafar was the only person who could truly embody the spirit of Michael. “It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way,” Fuqua told press.

Full Cast List

Plot Scope and Narrative Arc

The film is described as an “epic” that covers the entirety of Jackson’s life. The narrative is expected to span from his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, rising to fame with the Jackson 5, to his domination of the 80s music scene, and finally, his tragic death in 2009 while preparing for the This Is It concerts.

Producer Graham King has emphasized that the film will not shy away from the artist’s struggles. The screenplay by John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator) reportedly aims to humanize the man behind the myth, exploring his creative process, his battle with vitiligo, his prescription drug dependency, and the intense isolation of fame.

Addressing the Controversy: Allegations and Estate Involvement

The most polarizing element of the biopic is its relationship with the truth regarding the child sexual abuse allegations levied against Jackson in 1993 and 2005. Because the film is being made in cooperation with the Michael Jackson Estate (executors John Branca and John McClain are producers), critics argue that the film will inevitably sanitize history.

Dan Reed, director of the damning documentary Leaving Neverland, has publicly criticized the script, calling it a “complete whitewash.” He alleges that the film dismisses the accusations and portrays the accusers as extortionists.

However, reports from production suggest the film will depict the 1993 raids and the 2005 trial, in which Jackson was acquitted on all counts. The narrative framing is expected to align with the Estate’s long-standing position: that Jackson was an innocent victim of greed and media witch hunts. Recent leaks indicate that legal complexities regarding the 1993 settlement with Jordan Chandler may have forced rewrites and reshoots to ensure the film does not violate past non-disclosure agreements while still addressing the events.

Visuals and Production Value

Cinematographer Dion Beebe (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) is tasked with capturing the distinct visual eras of Jackson’s life. From the grainy, soulful aesthetic of 1970s Motown to the high-gloss, neon-soaked visuals of the Thriller era, the film is visually ambitious. Costuming and makeup are heavily emphasized, with Jaafar Jackson reportedly spending hours in the chair to replicate Michael’s changing appearance, including the effects of lupus and vitiligo.

Why This Movie Matters

Musical biopics have become a massive box-office draw, with Bohemian Rhapsody ($900M+) and Elvis ($288M) proving that audiences crave stories about rock and pop legends. Michael Jackson remains a figure of immense cultural weight. His catalog continues to stream in the billions, yet his personal life remains a battlefield of public opinion.

Michael will essentially serve as the definitive cinematic argument for his legacy. Whether it convinces audiences of his innocence or simply reminds them of his musical genius, it is guaranteed to be one of the most talked-about films of the decade.