Lionsgate has finally unveiled the first trailer for Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s highly anticipated biopic about the life and legacy of Michael Jackson.
The role of Michael Jackson is played by someone uniquely suited to carry it: his nephew, Jaafar Jackson. And from the opening frames, the resemblance in voice, movement, and presence is striking.
The trailer opens quietly in the studio with Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, telling a 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.”
From there, the teaser moves through Michael’s evolution from the Jackson 5 years to his meteoric rise as a solo superstar weaving in iconic moments like Thriller, the moonwalk, and that signature silhouette-under-the-spotlight choreography that became cultural vocabulary.
Set to Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, clips flash between childhood footage, rehearsals, and electrifying stage moments, signaling a film that doesn’t shy away from the spectacle that defined Jackson’s career.
In addition to Jaafar Jackson, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Liv Symone as Gladys Knight.
The film, originally slated for October 2025, will now hit theaters on April 24, 2026. Production wrapped in 2024 but underwent reshoots, and early speculation that the story might be split into two films appears to have been put to rest, at least for now.
The official synopsis promises “an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
For many, that intimacy is the point, and the challenge. Michael Jackson remains one of the most celebrated and debated figures in music and pop culture. Choosing his nephew to portray him ensures not only resemblance but reverence.
Hollywood has tried and often failed to tell the story of Michael Jackson.
This time, the world will watch as the family tells it.
And from the moonwalks to the red leather jacket to that unmistakable aura, the trailer shows Jaafar isn’t imitating Michael, he’s channeling him.
Check out the trailer.
