The new movie about the King of Pop, Michael, is now playing in theaters. This film tells the story of Michael Jackson from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his massive solo success. The movie uses a talented group of actors to bring these music legends to life.
Lionsgate released the biopic in April 2026. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It features Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, in the lead role. The movie takes viewers through the singer’s journey, showing his rise to fame and his complex family relationships.
Jaafar Jackson Plays His Uncle Michael Jackson
Jaafar Jackson makes his movie debut by playing his uncle, Michael Jackson. Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother. From the first moment he put on the costume, his family was shocked by how much he looked like the pop star.
Jaafar worked hard to capture Michael’s voice, dance moves, and soft-spoken nature. The movie focuses on Michael’s early career, ending around the time of his Bad tour in 1988. Jaafar has said he hopes viewers leave the theater with a better understanding of who Michael was as a person.
“I hope they take away a deeper understanding of who Michael was from a child until his adulthood, but also have insight into all those big moments,” Jaafar said at the US premiere. “I hope they walk away just dancing and inspired.”
Juliano Krue Valdi plays the younger version of Michael during the Jackson 5 years. He helps show how the singer grew from a child performer into a solo star.
Colman Domingo and Nia Long Play Michael’s Parents
Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Michael’s father and manager. The movie shows Joe as a strict and demanding figure who pushed his sons to succeed. Domingo’s performance shows the difficult side of the Jackson family story.
Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother. She is shown as a caring and supportive figure in Michael’s life. Long brings warmth to the role, showing how Katherine was one of Michael’s few true friends and protectors.
The Jackson Brothers and Sister
The film includes the Jackson siblings at different ages. Here is who plays each family member:
- Jamal R. Henderson plays older Jermaine Jackson and Jayden Harville plays the younger version
- Tre Horton plays older Marlon Jackson and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter plays the younger version
- Rhyan Hill plays older Tito Jackson and Judah Edwards plays the younger version
- Joseph David-Jones plays older Jackie Jackson and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre plays the younger version
- Jessica Sula plays La Toya Jackson, Michael’s older sister
Music Icons and Industry Figures
Several famous music industry figures appear in the biopic. Kendrick Sampson plays Quincy Jones, the legendary producer who worked with Michael on his biggest albums. Larenz Tate plays Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records who signed the Jackson 5.
Liv Symone plays Gladys Knight, and Kat Graham appears as Diana Ross. Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a music executive at Motown. Kevin Shinick plays Dick Clark, the famous TV host.
Key Advisors and Managers
Miles Teller plays John Branca, Michael’s long-time lawyer and manager. Branca helped guide Michael’s career for many years. KeiLyn Durrel Jones plays Bill Bray, Michael’s friend and head of security.
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Release Information and Reception
Michael is now in theaters starting April 24, 2026. Early access screenings happened on April 23. The film is playing in about 3,900 locations across North America, including 1,600 Imax and premium large-format screens.
In India, the movie released on the same date with shows in IMAX 2D, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and other premium formats.
The Jackson family has strongly supported the film. Prince Jackson and Bigi “Blanket” Jackson attended the Berlin premiere on April 10 to support their cousin Jaafar. Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Jackie Jackson also joined the events.
Jermaine Jackson shared his reaction to first seeing his son in costume: “I thought I was looking at Michael. I started crying.” Marlon Jackson added, “I told him, I said, ‘Jaafar, you are unbelievable.’”
Early reviews have mixed opinions. Some critics praise Jaafar Jackson’s performance in the musical numbers. Others note that the film avoids the more disputed parts of Michael’s life, focusing only on his career up to 1988. The movie reportedly cost between $170 million and $200 million to produce.
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