Michael (2026) is an American biographical musical drama about the life and career of Michael Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter John Logan. The film was produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain through GK Films and Optimum Productions, with Lionsgate handling distribution in the United States and Universal Pictures releasing it internationally. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, makes his feature-film acting debut in the title role, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying Michael as a child.
The supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and several other actors portraying the many musicians, family members, and business associates who shaped Jackson’s rise to worldwide fame. The film was conceived as the definitive authorized cinematic biography of the King of Pop, produced with the full cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate,
giving the filmmakers access to Jackson’s music, likeness, and many aspects of his personal history. Rather than attempting to tell Jackson’s entire life story, Michael concentrates on his rise from an extraordinarily gifted child performer in Gary, Indiana,
through his years with the Jackson 5, his transition into a solo superstar, and the unprecedented success that culminated with the Bad World Tour in 1988. The narrative explores his demanding childhood under the strict
guidance of his father Joe Jackson, the close bond with his mother Katherine, his perfectionism in the recording studio, and his collaborations with influential figures such as Quincy Jones and Berry Gordy. The screenplay portrays the creative processes behind landmark albums including Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, while dramatizing the enormous pressures of superstardom, relentless media attention,
physical injuries, changing appearance, and Jackson’s desire to balance artistic innovation with an increasingly complicated private life. The film concludes before the controversies of the 1990s, ending on a triumphant note with Jackson at the height of his worldwide popularity. Production on the film proved to
be one of the most ambitious music biopics ever undertaken. Principal photography began in January 2024 and continued through May 2024, with additional work and revisions occurring later. Most filming took place entirely in California
despite depicting locations throughout the United States. Authentic locations associated with Jackson’s life were used whenever practical, including Neverland Ranch near Los Olivos, Hayvenhurst Estate in Encino, Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City,
the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, the Orpheum Theatre, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and numerous downtown Los Angeles locations that recreated famous moments from Jackson’s career. Sets and visual effects were employed to recreate everything from Gary, Indiana, during the Jackson family’s early years to Motown recording studios and the elaborate concert stages that defined Jackson’s legendary live performances. Academy Award-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe
photographed the film, while editors John Ottman, Harry Yoon, Tom Cross, and Conrad Buff IV shaped the final cut. Composer Lior Rosner provided the original score, complemented by Jackson’s classic recordings.
Cast
- Jackson, Jaafar (July 25, 1996) – Michael Jackson. Portrays the legendary singer from childhood’s end through the height of his worldwide fame, recreating many of Michael Jackson’s best-known recording sessions, music videos, and live performances while exploring both his extraordinary talent and the pressures of superstardom. Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of Michael Jackson, making this his feature-film acting debut after previously pursuing a career as a singer and dancer.
- Valdi, Juliano Krue (date of birth not publicly available) – Young Michael. Portrays Michael Jackson during his early years with the Jackson 5, showing the remarkable musical gifts that made him the standout performer among his siblings as well as the demanding rehearsals directed by his father. Michael marks one of his earliest major screen roles.
- Domingo, Colman (November 28, 1969) – Joseph “Joe” Jackson. Plays Michael’s strict and ambitious father, whose relentless discipline helped transform the Jackson family into one of the most successful musical acts in history while creating lasting emotional tensions within the family. Previous film and television roles include Fear the Walking Dead, Euphoria, Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Zola, Candyman (2021), Rustin, The Color Purple (2023), and Sing Sing.
- Long, Nia (October 30, 1970) – Katherine Scruse-Jackson. Portrays Michael’s devoted and deeply religious mother, who served as the emotional center of the Jackson family and often acted as a calming influence amid Joe Jackson’s strict parenting. Previous roles include Boyz n the Hood, Friday, Love Jones, Soul Food, The Best Man, Big Momma’s House, Big Momma’s House 2, The Best Man Holiday, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, and You People.
- Teller, Miles (February 20, 1987) – John Branca. Portrays Michael Jackson’s longtime attorney and trusted business adviser, who played an important role in negotiating major contracts and later became co-executor of Jackson’s estate. Previous film and television roles include Footloose (2011), Project X, The Spectacular Now, Whiplash, Fantastic Four (2015), War Dogs, Only the Brave, Thank You for Your Service, Top Gun: Maverick, Spiderhead, and the television miniseries The Offer.
- Jones, KeiLyn Durrel (date of birth not publicly available) – Bill Bray. Portrays Bill Bray, Michael Jackson’s trusted bodyguard, confidant, and head of security, who remained one of the singer’s closest and most loyal associates for many years. Prior to Michael, Jones appeared in television and film roles including Reasonable Doubt, Swagger, The Resident, The Outsider, and other dramatic productions.
- Harrier, Laura (March 28, 1990) – Suzanne de Passe. Portrays Motown executive Suzanne de Passe, Berry Gordy’s creative assistant and later one of the company’s most influential executives, who recognized the Jackson 5’s extraordinary potential and helped guide their early career at Motown. Previous film and television roles include One Life to Live, Spider-Man: Homecoming, BlacKkKlansman, Hollywood, White Men Can’t Jump (2023), and The Starling Girl.
- David-Jones, Joseph (December 20, 1989) – Jackie Jackson. Portrays Michael’s oldest brother, Jackie Jackson, an original member of the Jackson 5 whose steady presence helped anchor the family group during its rise to fame. Previous film and television roles include Nashville, Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow, Detroit, The Rookie, Snowfall, and The Book of Clarence.
- McIntyre, Nathaniel Logan (date of birth not publicly available) – Young Jackie. Portrays Jackie Jackson during the brothers’ childhood years as the family develops into a polished performing group under Joe Jackson’s demanding direction. Michael is among his earliest significant screen appearances.
- Hill, Rhyan (date of birth not publicly available) – Tito Jackson. Portrays Michael’s older brother Tito Jackson, whose guitar playing and dependable musicianship became an important part of the Jackson 5’s signature sound. Previous acting credits include independent films, guest television appearances, and stage performances prior to Michael.
- Edwards, Judah (date of birth not publicly available) – Young Tito. Portrays Tito Jackson during the family’s early years, showing his development as one of the original Jackson brothers. Michael represents one of his first major acting roles.
- Henderson, Jamal R. (date of birth not publicly available) – Jermaine Jackson. Portrays Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson, whose distinctive vocals made him one of the Jackson 5’s principal singers before beginning a successful solo career of his own. Previous screen work includes guest appearances in television productions and independent films.
- Harville, Jayden (date of birth not publicly available) – Young Jermaine. Portrays Jermaine Jackson during the Jackson family’s formative years as the brothers learn to perform together and attract national attention. Michael is among his earliest credited film performances.
- Horton, Tre (date of birth not publicly available) – Marlon Jackson. Portrays Michael’s older brother Marlon Jackson, whose energetic dancing and harmonies became an essential part of the Jackson 5’s stage performances and later The Jacksons. Previous work includes television guest roles, commercials, and stage productions before appearing in Michael.
- Hunter, Jaylen Lyndon (date of birth not publicly available) – Young Marlon. Portrays Marlon Jackson as a child during the Jackson family’s rise from local talent shows to Motown stardom. This is one of his earliest feature-film roles.
- Sula, Jessica (May 3, 1994) – La Toya Jackson. Portrays Michael’s older sister La Toya Jackson, who witnessed the family’s remarkable rise to fame before launching her own recording and television career. Previous film and television roles include Skins, Split, Godless, Scream: Resurrection, Malum, and The Lovers.
- Myers, Mike (May 25, 1963) – Walter Yetnikoff. Portrays the outspoken and larger-than-life president of CBS Records, whose unwavering support for Michael Jackson helped make Thriller one of the best-selling albums of all time and transformed the music industry. Previous film and television roles include Saturday Night Live, Wayne’s World, Wayne’s World 2, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers in Goldmember, the Shrek film series (voice of Shrek), The Cat in the Hat, Bohemian Rhapsody, and the Netflix series The Pentaverate.
- Sampson, Kendrick (March 8, 1988) – Quincy Jones. Portrays legendary producer, composer, arranger, and bandleader Quincy Jones, whose collaboration with Michael Jackson on Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad produced some of the most successful albums in recording history. Previous film and television roles include The Vampire Diaries, Gracepoint, How to Get Away with Murder, The Flash, Insecure, The Missy Elliott Story, The Friendship Game, and Something from Tiffany’s.
- Tate, Larenz (September 8, 1975) – Berry Gordy. Portrays the founder of Motown Records, whose vision and guidance launched the Jackson 5 to international stardom and helped shape modern popular music. Previous film and television roles include Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, Love Jones, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, A Man Apart, Crash, Ray, Girls Trip, Power, and Power Book II: Ghost.
- Symone, Liv (date of birth not publicly available) – Gladys Knight. Portrays the legendary singer whose early support and admiration for the Jackson 5 helped encourage the young group during their rise through the Motown organization. Previous acting work includes television appearances, commercials, and stage performances before Michael.
- Cole, Deon (January 9, 1972) – Don King. Portrays flamboyant boxing promoter Don King, who crossed paths with Michael Jackson during the entertainer’s years as an international celebrity. Previous film and television roles include Black-ish, Grown-ish, Angie Tribeca, Barbershop, Barbershop: The Next Cut, You People, Average Joe, and his stand-up comedy specials for Netflix and other platforms.
- Fuqua, Asia (date of birth not publicly available) – Ola Ray (“Thriller Girlfriend”). Portrays actress and model Ola Ray, who starred opposite Michael Jackson in the groundbreaking 1983 Thriller short film and became part of one of the most iconic music videos ever produced. Michael is among her earliest screen acting roles.
- Petrie, Jono (date of birth not publicly available) – John Landis (“Thriller Short Film Director”). Portrays filmmaker John Landis, the director of the landmark Thriller short film whose cinematic approach permanently changed the art of music videos. Previous screen work includes television, film, and stage productions prior to appearing in Michael.
- Hipp, Paul (July 16, 1958) – Bob Giraldi (“Commercial Director”). Portrays director Bob Giraldi, who directed Michael Jackson’s Beat It music video and the famous 1984 Pepsi commercial featuring Jackson. Previous film and television roles include The Perfect Storm, Face/Off, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Law & Order, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, and numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
One of the film’s most remarkable production stories involved Jaafar Jackson’s casting. Although he had never appeared in a feature film, his physical resemblance to his uncle, combined with years of studying Michael’s singing, dancing, and stage movements, convinced the filmmakers that he could
convincingly portray the superstar across multiple decades. Antoine Fuqua emphasized authenticity throughout production, encouraging extensive rehearsals for dance sequences and carefully recreating iconic performances, costumes, and recording sessions.
Considerable effort also went into reconstructing Jackson’s homes, rehearsal spaces, and concert venues with meticulous historical detail. Many scenes were filmed in the actual locations where important events occurred, adding an extra layer of realism to the production.
A Few Historical Inaccuracies, Omissions, and Sanitized Portrayals
- The movie depicts the Jackson Five performing “Never Can Say Goodbye” in 1968 during an amateur audition for Motown. In reality, the group did not record or perform this song until after they had officially signed with Motown following a taped audition arranged by Bobby Taylor. Additionally, the film suggests the group signed with Epic/CBS in 1978; they actually signed in 1975.
- A major chronological error involves the production of the Thriller album and its associated media. The film shows Michael working on the Thriller music video prior to his historic Motown 25 performance in 1983. In reality, the album was released in late 1982, and the music video was produced after the Motown 25 performance, which featured the debut of the moonwalk. The film also implies the Victory Tour was solely a power move by his father, Joseph, ignoring that it supported The Jacksons’ 1984 album Victory.
- Three siblings are completely omitted: sisters Rebbie and Janet, and brother Randy. Janet reportedly declined to be portrayed in the film. Their absence creates issues in scenes depicting family dynamics, such as Michael’s departure from the Jacksons, where the film uses the solo track “Workin’ Day and Night” instead of the actual group performance because the filmmakers could not use songs Randy co-wrote.
- Frankie DiLeo, Michael’s manager during the Bad era, is also missing. His role is essentially merged with that of attorney John Branca. Furthermore, significant cultural milestones and collaborations are excluded, likely due to licensing costs or rights issues. These include Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo on “Beat It,” Vincent Price’s narration on “Thriller,” the recording of “We Are the World,” and the Captain EO project. The film also largely ignores Michael’s role in The Wiz, which was crucial for his connection with producer Quincy Jones.
- While the film depicts Joseph Jackson as abusive, sources indicate the real Joseph was far worse, engaging in frequent physical violence for minor mistakes and relentless verbal abuse regarding Michael’s appearance (specifically his nose) that drove his plastic surgery. The film omits the complicity of Michael’s brothers in this childhood abuse and their later jealousy of his solo success. It also ignores Michael’s firing of Joseph in the late 1970s after discovering his father’s decades-long infidelity.
- The portrayal of Michael himself is described as that of a “preternaturally gifted man” devoid of the calculated business acumen he possessed in real life. The film ignores his betrayal of Paul McCartney regarding the ATV music catalog purchase in 1985 and his own history of feeding stories to tabloids like the National Enquirer. Additionally, the film attributes his first nose job to a desire to look like Peter Pan shortly after Off the Wall; in reality, the first surgery was necessitated by a broken nose during a rehearsal, and his vitiligo diagnosis did not occur until 1986.
- The original script reportedly included the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations. However, after principal photography wrapped in 2024, the estate discovered a clause in Michael Jackson’s 1993 legal settlement with the Chandler family that prohibited the depiction of the accuser or the allegations in any dramatization. Consequently, the third act was scrapped, and $10–15 million was spent on reshoots in June 2025 to end the film in 1988, prior to the allegations becoming public.
- This legal constraint forced the film to conclude before the purchase of Neverland Ranch could be fully explored on screen, despite the estate teasing the location throughout the movie. Lawyers for the estate, including John Branca, explicitly stated that anyone involved in the production had to accept the premise that Michael was innocent, leading to the removal of “unsullied” versions of events that conflicted with this narrative.
The film also became notable for the challenges it faced before release. Although originally intended to explore a broader span of Jackson’s life, legal and contractual issues reportedly required extensive rewriting and expensive reshoots. As a result, the filmmakers shifted the story’s ending to 1988,
eliminating material connected to the child abuse allegations that emerged during the 1990s. This decision became one of the movie’s most discussed aspects before and after its release, with supporters arguing that the film was intended to celebrate Jackson’s artistic achievements while critics contended that it presented an incomplete portrait by avoiding the controversies that later defined much of the public discussion surrounding his legacy.
Reports indicated that the additional photography substantially increased the production budget, making Michael one of the most expensive biographical films ever produced. Following its April 2026 release, Michael attracted enormous public interest and opened to one of the largest box office debuts ever achieved by a musical biopic.
Audience response was generally far more enthusiastic than the critical reception, with many viewers praising Jaafar Jackson’s remarkable transformation into his uncle, the elaborate musical performances, and the film’s recreation of iconic moments from Michael Jackson’s career. Critics were divided, with some applauding Antoine Fuqua’s energetic direction and the
technical craftsmanship while others argued that the authorized nature of the production resulted in a narrative that emphasized Jackson’s artistic brilliance without fully confronting the darker and more controversial chapters of his life. Even so, the film became a major commercial success, and discussions of continuing the story in one or more sequels began almost immediately after its release. Among the film’s many interesting pieces of trivia is that Jaafar Jackson is the first
member of the Jackson family ever to portray Michael in a major feature film. Many of the elaborate concert sequences required months of choreography and rehearsal to duplicate Jackson’s famous performances as accurately as possible.
Neverland Ranch, which had undergone significant changes since Jackson’s death, was temporarily restored in certain areas for filming, allowing several scenes to be shot at the actual property. Some planned scenes depicting later events in Jackson’s life were completed before being removed during post-production because of legal complications,
making the released version substantially different from earlier drafts of the screenplay. The decision to conclude the film with the Bad era has fueled ongoing speculation that future installments may continue Jackson’s story while addressing the decades omitted from the first film.
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Michael (2026 Film)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_(2026_film)
- IMDB “Michael 2026 PG-13 2h 7m” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11378946/
- Rotten Tomatoes “Michael PG-13, Apr 2026, 2h 7m, Biography/Drama/Music” https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/michael
