Jaafar Jackson Stars in New Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’
A new biographical film titled Michael delves into the life and legacy of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, highlighting both his groundbreaking music and the controversies surrounding his personal life.
Portrayal by Jaafar Jackson
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, takes on the lead role, portraying his uncle throughout the film. The story follows Michael’s journey from his early days as a child prodigy with the Jackson 5 to his passing in 2009.
Trailer and Preview
The first official trailer was released on November 6 by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures. It offers a glimpse of recording sessions featuring Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, known for his roles in Insecure and How to Get Away with Murder. The trailer showcases Jackson beginning work on some of his most famous tracks.
“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,”
— Quincy Jones, as heard in the trailer, accompanied by the iconic beat of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”
Production Details
- Directed by Antoine Fuqua
- Screenplay by Oscar-nominated John Logan, known for Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo
- Scheduled release date: April 24, 2026
Film Focus
Michael aims to explore the artist’s rise to fame, his creative genius, and the complexities of his private life, blending dramatized scenes with recreated performances to provide a comprehensive portrait.
Author’s summary: The biopic Michael stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, revealing the icon’s musical brilliance and personal challenges through immersive storytelling, set for April 2026 release.