The highly-anticipated biopic of the late Michael Jackson, simply titled Michael, has released its first teaser trailer, offering a glimpse into the film’s scope and the mesmerizing debut of the King of Pop’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role. The film, directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), is scheduled to hit theaters on April 24, 2026.

The teaser focuses squarely on the musician’s phenomenal rise to global stardom, showcasing meticulously recreated iconic moments such as his famous Moonwalk dance and scenes from the “Thriller” music video. The official film description promises “the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known,” tracing his path from the Jackson Five to the visionary artist who became the King of Pop and the “Smooth Criminal” singer.

Family and Controversy: The Unseen Narrative

While the trailer celebrates Jackson’s musical legacy, the film faces the challenge of addressing the controversy that defined the later years of his life. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, due to acute propofol intoxication.

The biopic has already navigated significant production hurdles related to the sensitive material:

Script Blockade: Earlier reports from Puck indicated that the film hit a “massive roadblock” due to a clause in the settlement with Jordan Chandler, who accused the singer of sexual abuse in a 1993 investigation. The clause reportedly restricted the dramatization of the Chandler family’s claims, forcing a costly script rework and contributing to the delay of the film’s release.
Acquittal and Allegations: The teaser notably omits any mention of the legal issues that saw Jackson acquitted of child molestation charges in March 2006 following a high-profile trial in Santa Maria, California. The ongoing question remains how the film, which the director has stated would show “the good, bad and the ugly,” will ultimately handle the totality of the star’s controversial life.

Star-Studded Cast Brings the Jackson Dynasty to Life

The project features a powerhouse ensemble cast bringing to life the members of the Jackson dynasty and key figures in his career:

Actor
Role
Notable Connection

Jaafar Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael’s real-life nephew, son of Jermaine Jackson.

Colman Domingo
Joe Jackson
The intricate and demanding patriarch of the Jackson family.

Nia Long
Katherine Jackson
Michael’s mother and the Jackson family matriarch.

Kat Graham
Diana Ross
The legendary singer who was instrumental in introducing the Jackson 5.

Larenz Tate
Berry Gordy
Motown Records founder, who signed the Jackson 5.

Miles Teller
John Branca
Michael Jackson’s attorney and the executor of his estate.

The script is penned by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator, Hugo), signaling a high-level creative approach to the complex subject matter.