Fans eager to witness the life of the King of Pop on the big screen will have to wait a little longer.
The much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled "Michael," is now officially slated for a global theatrical release on April 24, 2026.
This announcement comes after several production delays and reshoots for the film, which was initially planned for April 2025 and later October 2025.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his work on "Training Day" and "The Equalizer" trilogy, "Michael" aims to deliver an immersive and emotional portrayal of Jackson's extraordinary journey from child prodigy to global superstar.
The screenplay is penned by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, and the project has the full backing of the Michael Jackson estate.
The titular role of Michael Jackson will be portrayed by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who reportedly bears an uncanny resemblance to his late uncle and possesses similar vocal and dance abilities.
This marks Jaafar's major acting debut, a choice that has garnered considerable buzz.
The film boasts a star-studded cast alongside Jaafar. Colman Domingo and Nia Long are set to play Michael's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, respectively.
Miles Teller will appear as John Branca, Jackson's longtime attorney and advisor, while Larenz Tate is cast as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
Other notable cast members include Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray (Jackson's security chief), and Kendrick Sampson as legendary producer Quincy Jones.
Produced by Graham King, the acclaimed producer behind the Oscar-winning "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Michael" is expected to feature over 30 of Michael Jackson's iconic tracks, offering fans a rich musical backdrop to his life story.
Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, while Universal Pictures will oversee international releases, with Kino Films managing distribution in Japan.
Reports indicate that the film's extensive runtime in its initial cut, coupled with creative differences with the Jackson estate over certain sensitive content, led to the delays and the need for additional photography and a reworked third act.
While there were discussions about splitting the story into two films, the current plan is for a single, comprehensive feature.
The film is expected to conclude with Jackson's departure from the Jackson 5 and the launch of his solo career with the seminal album "Off the Wall" in 1979, with a second film reportedly in development to explore the later periods of his career, including the "Thriller" and "Bad" eras.
The strategic April 2026 release date places "Michael" with minimal competition, positioning it for a strong box office performance.
With a reported budget of $155 million, the film is poised to be a major cinematic event, seeking to delve into both the professional milestones and personal complexities of one of music history's most influential figures.
What are your expectations for the "Michael" biopic, and what aspects of Michael Jackson's life are you most eager to see portrayed on screen?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments section below! Don't forget to share this news with fellow fans!
The much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled "Michael," is now officially slated for a global theatrical release on April 24, 2026.
This announcement comes after several production delays and reshoots for the film, which was initially planned for April 2025 and later October 2025.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his work on "Training Day" and "The Equalizer" trilogy, "Michael" aims to deliver an immersive and emotional portrayal of Jackson's extraordinary journey from child prodigy to global superstar.
The screenplay is penned by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, and the project has the full backing of the Michael Jackson estate.
The titular role of Michael Jackson will be portrayed by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who reportedly bears an uncanny resemblance to his late uncle and possesses similar vocal and dance abilities.
This marks Jaafar's major acting debut, a choice that has garnered considerable buzz.
The film boasts a star-studded cast alongside Jaafar. Colman Domingo and Nia Long are set to play Michael's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, respectively.
Miles Teller will appear as John Branca, Jackson's longtime attorney and advisor, while Larenz Tate is cast as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
Other notable cast members include Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray (Jackson's security chief), and Kendrick Sampson as legendary producer Quincy Jones.
Produced by Graham King, the acclaimed producer behind the Oscar-winning "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Michael" is expected to feature over 30 of Michael Jackson's iconic tracks, offering fans a rich musical backdrop to his life story.
Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, while Universal Pictures will oversee international releases, with Kino Films managing distribution in Japan.
Reports indicate that the film's extensive runtime in its initial cut, coupled with creative differences with the Jackson estate over certain sensitive content, led to the delays and the need for additional photography and a reworked third act.
While there were discussions about splitting the story into two films, the current plan is for a single, comprehensive feature.
The film is expected to conclude with Jackson's departure from the Jackson 5 and the launch of his solo career with the seminal album "Off the Wall" in 1979, with a second film reportedly in development to explore the later periods of his career, including the "Thriller" and "Bad" eras.
The strategic April 2026 release date places "Michael" with minimal competition, positioning it for a strong box office performance.
With a reported budget of $155 million, the film is poised to be a major cinematic event, seeking to delve into both the professional milestones and personal complexities of one of music history's most influential figures.
What are your expectations for the "Michael" biopic, and what aspects of Michael Jackson's life are you most eager to see portrayed on screen?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments section below! Don't forget to share this news with fellow fans!
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