Michael Jackson Biopic’s Newest Trailer Chronicles Rise from Child Star to King of Pop

Lionsgate released another new trailer for the upcoming Bipoc ‘MICHAEL,’ which gave viewers a first look at Colman Domingo’s Joe Jackson, the Jackson 5, and Michael’s ascent as a global superstar.

The film has been described to many as the “Most Anticipated” film of 2026, the King of Pop coming back to reclaim his throne on the big screen. The new film aims to Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his ascent as a global superstar. The film aims to capture both the spectacle and the contradictions of the artist who came to be known as the King of Pop.

Playing the role of Michael Jackson is his nephew, Jafaar Jackson. Joining Jafaar Jackson will be Kendrick Sampson (How to Get Away With Murder, The Flash, Insecure) as Quincy Jones, Miles Teller (Fantastic Four, Whiplash, The Offer) as Jackson’s attorney and adviser John Branca, Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man) as his father Joe Jackson, Nia Long (NCIS: Los Angeles, Third Watch, The Best Man) as his mother Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula (Skins, Recovery Road, Split) as his sister LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate (POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, Rescue Me) as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as pioneering music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries, Rise of the Ninja Turtles, All Eyez on Me) as Diana Ross. Other cast members include Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson’s former security-turned-trusted friend and confidante Bill Bray; and Kendrick Sampson as industry icon Quincy Jones, who first met Jackson when he was just 12 years old.

For staff, Antoine Fuqua will be serving as the director, John Logan (“Alien: Covenant,” “Rango”) penned the script for “Michael.” John Branca, Graham King, and John McClain serve as producers. David B. Householter serves as executive producer. According to Deadline and Lionsgate, the film has to be broken into two parts, not only because of the original cut’s 3 1/2 hour length, but also because footage was shot centering around one of Jackson’s accusers; their settlement with the singer’s estate guaranteed they’d never be dramatized. The Jackson estate overlooked this detail when putting Michael into development. Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson went into detail during an earnings call earlier in the afternoon, saying “Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional.” For more on his comments, Deadline has the exclusive details. Produced with the support of the Jackson estate, “Michael” is a Lionsgate and GK Films production. Michael is set to debut in theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026.

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“‘Michael’ is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known,” the film’s official synopsis reads, adding that it “tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson 5, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”

Source: Variety

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