Lionsgate has unveiled the highly anticipated first trailer for Michael, the definitive biographical drama chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, featuring the late pop star’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as the King of Pop. Released on November 6, 2025, the teaser—a minute-long spectacle opening with Quincy Jones (portrayed by Kendrick Sampson) telling young Michael, “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”—delivers visceral evidence that Jaafar Jackson possesses the physical resemblance, vocal acuity, and dancing capability to authentically embody his legendary uncle. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (best known for Training Day) and featuring a screenplay by acclaimed writer John Logan, the biopic traces Michael Jackson’s extraordinary journey from gifted child performer in the Jackson 5 to visionary King of Pop, exploring both his off-stage personal complexities and on-stage legendary performances including recreation of the iconic “Thriller” music video. The ensemble cast features legendary producer Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson), Joe Jackson played by two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, Katherine Jackson portrayed by Nia Long, Michael’s attorney John Branca as Miles Teller, his sister LaToya Jackson as Jessica Sula, Motown founder Berry Gordy as Larenz Tate, music executive Suzanne de Passe as Laura Harrier, and Diana Ross as Kat Graham, assembled under producer Graham King (Academy Award winner for Bohemian Rhapsody). Scheduled for theatrical release on April 24, 2026—following multiple production delays and controversial reshoots addressing legal complications regarding abuse allegations—the biopic arrives as one of 2026’s most anticipated projects, with filmmakers signaling potential for multi-film expansion upon the initial release’s success. The trailer’s unveiling represents a watershed moment for the Jackson family legacy and mainstream cinema’s engagement with Michael Jackson’s life, legacy, and enduring cultural influence as one of humanity’s most revolutionary entertainers.
Trailer Release and First Reactions
Release Date: November 6, 2025 (Thursday) | Trailer Duration: 1 minute teaser | Distribution: Premiering before Lionsgate’s “Now See Me Now You Don’t” theatrical screenings | Official Tagline: “Honour your past and embrace the future” | Opening Line: “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.”
The debut trailer for Michael delivers spectacularly on filmmakers’ promises to authentically capture the King of Pop’s legendary career. The one-minute teaser opens with Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson) addressing young Michael in a recording studio setting, immediately establishing the narrative’s focus on the artist’s creative partnership with the legendary producer during the Thriller era. Backed by “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and original score composition, the trailer progresses through montages showcasing Jaafar Jackson reenacting iconic Michael Jackson moments—from childhood Jackson 5 performances to recreation of the legendary “Thriller” music video choreography.
Jaafar Jackson: From Nephew to Lead Actor
Full Name: Jaafar Jackson | Age: 29 years old (as of November 2025) | Family Relation: Nephew of Michael Jackson; son of Jermaine Jackson (Michael’s elder brother) | Feature Film Debut: This role in Michael represents his major theatrical debut | Qualifications: Natural resemblance to Michael Jackson, demonstrated dancing and vocal abilities, proven screen chemistry
Jaafar Jackson’s casting as his legendary uncle represents a rare instance where familial lineage and artistic capability converge perfectly. The 29-year-old actor possesses striking physical resemblance to Michael Jackson, combined with demonstrable dancing proficiency and vocal acuity visible throughout the trailer. Director Antoine Fuqua emphasized the significance of Jaafar’s selection, stating: “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
The casting decision proved controversial initially within industry circles—questions emerged regarding nepotism and artistic merit. However, the trailer footage silences such concerns, demonstrating Jaafar’s authentic embodiment of his uncle’s distinctive physicality, vocal mannerisms, and performance presence. His recreation of the “Thriller” choreography showcases genuine dancing capability rather than mere mimicry.
Director and Screenwriter: Heavyweight Creative Team
Director: Antoine Fuqua | Previous Credits: Training Day (Oscar-winning), The Magnificent Seven (2016), Southpaw (2015), The Equalizer franchise | Screenwriter: John Logan | Logan’s Notable Works: Gladiator, The Aviator, Hugo, Spectre (James Bond), Murders in the Building | Creative Vision: Emphasis on character depth, emotional authenticity, visually spectacular filmmaking
Antoine Fuqua brings substantial filmmaking credentials to the Michael Jackson biopic. His Oscar-winning film Training Day established his mastery of character-driven narratives infused with moral complexity—precisely the sensibility required to navigate Michael Jackson’s contradictory legacy. Fuqua’s subsequent work demonstrates capability in balancing spectacle with intimate character moments, essential for a project encompassing both revolutionary performances and personal vulnerabilities.
John Logan, the acclaimed screenwriter, brings Oscar-nominated pedigree and demonstrated expertise in complex biographical narratives. His previous work on Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo showcases his capability to construct nuanced character studies within epic narratives—the precise balance required for Michael Jackson’s biography.
Complete Cast: Ensemble of Acclaimed Performers
Core Cast:
– Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson (adult) – feature film debut
– Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael Jackson
– Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones (legendary producer)
– Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson (Michael’s father, manager) – Oscar-nominated performer
– Nia Long as Katherine Jackson (Michael’s mother)
– Miles Teller as John Branca (attorney, business manager)
– Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson (sister)
– Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy (Motown Records founder)
– Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe (groundbreaking music executive)
– Kat Graham as Diana Ross (fellow Motown superstar)
Colman Domingo’s Joe Jackson Portrayal: Domingo, fresh from Oscar nomination for Rustin, revealed his approach to portraying the complex, controversial Joe Jackson: “I seem to be on the track of interrogating some of these real-life human beings. I want to find their humanity, I want to find their heart and their humor. It may go against public opinion sometimes, but I think that’s my responsibility to find the complex version of these people.”
Production History: Delays and Controversial Reshoots
Original Production Timeline: Wrapped May 2024 | Original Release Date: October 3, 2025 | Revised Release Date: April 24, 2026 | Production Delays Reason: Legal complications and controversial reshoots | Primary Issue: Original cut (~3.5 hours) included dramatization of abuse allegations violating settlement agreement
Michael has experienced significant production complications extending beyond typical filmmaker decisions. Production commenced in May 2024 with initial completion expected to allow October 2025 theatrical release. However, substantial legal issues emerged regarding content depicting child abuse allegations—conflicts involving Jackson estate settlements explicitly prohibiting dramatization of such events.
The Original Cut Crisis: The initial cut reportedly ran approximately three and a half hours and included material involving one of Jackson’s abuse accusers despite settlement agreements prohibiting such dramatization. Sources indicate the Jackson estate initially missed this detail during early development, discovering the violation during post-production review. This necessitated significant reshoots and re-editing—the primary cause for the six-month release delay.
Additional reshoots occurred in June 2025 (22 days of filming), following post-production completion, to accommodate the content modifications and ensure Jackson estate legal compliance.
Production Team and Industry Recognition
Producers: Graham King (Academy Award winner, Bohemian Rhapsody), John Branca (Jackson estate representative, attorney), John McClain (Jackson estate representative) | Co-Producer: Justin Simien | Executive Producer: David B. Householder | Studio Distribution: Lionsgate (domestic), Universal Pictures (international)
Graham King’s involvement represents significant industry validation. His Academy Award win for Bohemian Rhapsody—another music biopic—demonstrates his expertise in transforming musicians’ lives into compelling cinema. The inclusion of John Branca and John McClain as producers reflects the Jackson estate’s direct involvement in the project, ensuring historical accuracy and family approval.
Narrative Focus and Film Synopsis
Official Synopsis: “Michael explores the global superstar’s journey to become known to the world as the King of Pop, presenting an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”
Narrative Approach: Rather than comprehensive chronological biography spanning Jackson’s entire life and career, the film emphasizes his early solo career and creative partnership with Quincy Jones during the Off the Wall and Thriller era. This strategic focus allows for deeper exploration of transformational years when Jackson evolved from child performer to visionary artist reshaping popular music and dance.
Release Strategy and Multi-Film Potential
Theatrical Release Date: April 24, 2026 | Format: Standard and IMAX theatrical release | Studio Distribution: Lionsgate (domestic), Universal Pictures (international) | Future Possibility: Multi-film potential if initial film succeeds | Executive Statement (Lionsgate Chair Adam Fogelson): “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that 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.”
The April 24, 2026 release date positions Michael as a major spring theatrical event, arriving during a traditionally strong box office season. Lionsgate’s strategic comments regarding potential multi-film expansion suggest confidence in both the initial film’s quality and commercial viability—a strong signal that producers view Jackson’s complete biography as warranting sequential theatrical releases similar to the success of Bohemian Rhapsody‘s reception (which grossed $920 million worldwide).
The trailer’s November release provides a five-month lead time for audience awareness and anticipation building, allowing for substantial marketing campaign development before theatrical release.
