Fans of Michael Jackson are buzzing with excitement as they await the release of his biopic, titled Michael. Featuring Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon's nephew, this film is among the most eagerly anticipated projects of the year. This news arrives amidst ongoing legal matters related to allegations of child sex abuse. The film had its premiere at a festival in Berlin, Germany, where Jaafar received a standing ovation, attended by several family members of the late singer. Fans and festival-goers have taken to social media to share their impressions. One viewer described it as the film of the century, while another commended Jaafar for his compelling performance.

Reviews of the Michael Jackson Biopic

One enthusiastic viewer tweeted, "The movie of the century, if you ask me #MichaelMovie." Another added, "It’s perfect. Jaafar Jackson delivers a performance that will be hard to beat this year. His voice, dancing, and emotional depth were magical. The entire theater was singing and dancing throughout. It’s the ultimate tribute to Michael." A film critic remarked, "Jaafar Jackson gives a stunning performance in #Michael, capturing the essence, ambition, and physicality of Michael Jackson in a dazzling manner. Longtime fans will cherish this film." The director, Antoine Fuqua, has crafted a fun, engaging, and soulful narrative that explores Michael's journey, highlighting the complexities and challenges that come with fame and family dynamics.

Details About the Film

The biopic is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026. According to reports from Variety, the film was originally intended to delve into how allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking impacted the pop star. However, a significant portion of the film was cut after the Jackson estate's legal team identified a clause in a settlement with one of Jackson's accusers that prohibited any mention of him in the film. This led to substantial rewrites and a delay in the release, reportedly increasing production costs by $10 million to $15 million. Lionsgate, the studio behind the film, anticipates it could gross around $700 million globally, potentially making it one of the highest-grossing music biopics, following Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned $910 million.