• Jaafar Jackson channels his uncle’s iconic moves in highly anticipated film set for April 2026 release

LOS ANGELES — Lionsgate released the first teaser trailer for “Michael,” the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, offering audiences their initial glimpse at what promises to be one of 2026’s most talked-about releases. The brief but electrifying preview showcases the King of Pop’s nephew stepping into his uncle’s legendary shoes with remarkable authenticity.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, stars in his film debut as the iconic entertainer, and the teaser immediately establishes his physical resemblance and movement capabilities. The preview reveals Jackson prepping for a show at Dodger Stadium, a recreation of the “Thriller” music video, and studio sessions where a producer tells him to keep his feet still — a playful nod to the performer’s irrepressible energy.

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The trailer confirms audiences will hear Michael Jackson’s original music throughout the film, with the teaser featuring tracks including “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” and “Billie Jean”. An engineer’s voice narrates ominously, “The tracks are made. The songs are ready,” building anticipation for the musical performances central to the story.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua with a script by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, the film is set for theatrical and IMAX release on April 24, 2026. The production carries a reported budget of approximately $155 million, ranking among the most expensive music biopics ever made, underscoring the studios’ commitment to delivering a cinematic spectacle worthy of Jackson’s legacy.

The ensemble cast adds gravitas to the production. Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller takes on the role of John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and advisor. Additional cast members include Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.

According to the official synopsis, the film traces Jackson’s journey from discovering his extraordinary talent as lead of the Jackson Five to becoming the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled his relentless pursuit to become the world’s biggest entertainer.

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However, questions linger about controversial elements. The trailer contains no mention of the singer’s well-publicized legal troubles, though the production reportedly underwent extensive reshoots related to legal issues involving depictions that the Jackson estate was not permitted to include.

The film’s handling of controversy may ultimately determine its critical reception, as audiences and critics alike will scrutinize how the production balances celebration of Jackson’s artistic genius against the complex realities of his personal life.

With Jackson’s exponentially larger cultural footprint compared to recent music biopics, industry observers expect “Michael” to significantly outperform comparable releases. The trailer will screen in theaters starting next week before showings of “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.”

For now, the teaser succeeds in generating buzz while showcasing the technical prowess and star power behind this ambitious project.

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