The new movie about the life of Michael Jackson is almost here, but fans watching will notice one famous family member missing from the story. Janet Jackson does not appear in the biopic titled Michael, and now her sister La Toya Jackson has shared why this happened.
The film covers the rise of the King of Pop, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his solo success. While most of the family is shown on screen, the younger sister and pop legend chose not to be part of the project.
Why Janet Jackson Turned Down the Biopic Role
The Michael movie had its big premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 20, 2026. La Toya Jackson walked the red carpet with brothers Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon. When reporters asked about Janet’s absence, La Toya gave a clear answer.
“She was asked and she kindly declined. So you have to respect her wishes.”
La Toya also said she wished every family member could be in the movie. But Janet made her choice, and the family accepted it.
Director Antoine Fuqua also spoke about Janet not being in the film. He told reporters at the premiere:
“I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it’s OK. She’s supportive of Jaafar and that’s what matters.”
Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael’s nephew and Janet’s nephew too, plays the lead role in the movie.
Family Members Who Do Appear in the Michael Movie
Even without Janet, the biopic includes many Jackson family members. The cast features Colman Domingo as father Joe Jackson and Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson. Jessica Sula plays La Toya Jackson in the film.
Other family members at the Hollywood premiere included Jermaine Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Marlon Jackson. They came to support the movie, which is set to open in theaters worldwide.
The film was made with help from the Michael Jackson estate. Prince Jackson, Michael’s oldest son, worked as an executive producer on the project.
No Family Feud Despite Earlier Reports
Before La Toya spoke at the premiere, some news reports claimed that Janet and her brother Jermaine had a big argument about the movie. One report said they had a heated phone call after a family screening of the film.
But La Toya shut down those rumors. She told Entertainment Tonight that there was no problem at all between her siblings.
“There was absolutely no problem whatsoever. None whatsoever, and please believe that.”
This means Janet’s choice to skip the film was personal, not the result of any family fight.
Other Jackson Family Members Who Stayed Away
Janet is not the only family member who kept distance from the Michael biopic. Paris Jackson, Michael’s 28-year-old daughter, did not attend the Hollywood premiere. She has also spoken publicly against the movie.
Back in September 2025, Paris wrote on Instagram that the film included things she felt were wrong. She said she read an early version of the script and gave her thoughts, but the filmmakers did not fix the problems she pointed out.
Bigi Jackson, Michael’s youngest son, also stayed away from the project. Rebbie Jackson, the oldest sibling in the family, was not at the premiere either.
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What the Movie Covers and Release Information
Michael follows the singer’s path from his childhood in Gary, Indiana, through his time with the Jackson 5, and up to the release of his Bad album in the late 1980s.
The movie will release in theaters on April 24, 2026. Viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India can watch it starting this Friday. Industry reports suggest the film could earn around $150 million at the global box office during its opening weekend.
Jaafar Jackson plays Michael, and many family members have praised his performance. La Toya said watching him on screen feels like watching Michael himself.
“Jaafar was absolutely fabulous. We all forget and think that we’re watching Mike. It’s like, ‘Oh, I forgot this is Jaafar.’”
Other Siblings Missing From the Story
The biopic does not show every Jackson child. Besides Janet, the movie leaves out Rebbie (the oldest daughter) and Randy (the youngest son). Their absence means some parts of the family story are not fully told on screen.
But for Janet, her choice was a clear and simple one. She was asked to be in the film, and she decided to say no. The family says they respect that decision.
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