The first teaser for “Michael,” the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, has shattered records, amassing over 30 million views within its first few hours online. The trailer introduces global audiences to Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, who transforms into the King of Pop for the highly anticipated film scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026 .
Record-Breaking Trailer Reception
The teaser for “Michael” achieved a massive online milestone, generating more than 30 million views in its first six hours. This impressive number is 50 percent higher than the view count for the trailer of “John Wick: Chapter 4” over a similar period, signaling enormous audience interest .
Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson shared the news during a recent corporate earnings call. The film’s debut footage quickly became a major topic of discussion across social media platforms, with fans and critics alike sharing their first look at Jaafar Jackson in the iconic role .
A First Look at Jaafar Jackson as Michael
The minute-long teaser provides a powerful glimpse into the film’s scope, showcasing Jaafar Jackson in several of Michael Jackson’s most legendary moments. It features recreations of the classic “Thriller” music video, precise dance moves including the Moonwalk, and scenes of the performer preparing for a massive concert at Dodger Stadium .
The trailer also offers a peek into the recording studio, with a voice that appears to belong to Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, telling Jackson, “in here, keep those feet still, my man” . The footage highlights Jaafar’s striking resemblance to his uncle, capturing his voice, laugh, and signature mannerisms .
Adam Fogelson expressed his confidence in the project, stating,
“Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional” .
He also praised the lead performance, saying, “I think people are stunned with Jaafar’s performance” .
Behind the Scenes and Fan Reactions
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, who previously worked on the Oscar-winning Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” . The screenplay is by John Logan .
The project has faced well-documented delays. The movie was initially much longer, with a first cut exceeding three and a half hours . Furthermore, the production encountered a significant legal hurdle. Scenes were shot that included a depiction of one of Jackson’s accusers, which violated a settlement agreement that guarantees they would not be dramatized . This required substantial reworking of the film and led to rumors that the story might be split into two parts.
While not officially confirming a sequel, Fogelson noted, “the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film” .
On social media, the reaction to the teaser has been overwhelmingly positive. One user on X wrote, “Y’all, this is insanity??? The voice??? The looks?? The laugh?? The mannerisms??” . Another simply admitted they were going to “cry the entire time” when watching the full movie . The public response suggests that the long wait for the film has only increased excitement.
The Road to Theaters
“Michael” is described as a cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. It promises a look at both his personal struggles and his unparalleled creative genius, tracing his journey from the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to becoming the biggest entertainer in the world .
The film features an all-star cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and manager .
After several release date changes, “Michael” is now set for a global theatrical release on April 24, 2026 . The film will also be shown in IMAX theaters, offering audiences an immersive experience of the King of Pop’s most iconic performances .
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