The new Michael Jackson biopic is now in theaters.
The film, Michael, highlights the controversial pop icon’s rise to fame, moving through his early days in the Jackson 5 — during which he remained under the thumb of his tough father, Joe Jackson — to his hitmaking solo career. It stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew and the son of former Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson.
“I never dreamed of being an actor or even thought of playing him, but I knew it was a calling,” Jaafar said in a behind-the-scenes look at the film, which features clips of him embodying his uncle’s most iconic moments, such as being in the “Thriller” music video and moonwalking. “I really had to earn the role and prove to the filmmakers that I was capable of becoming Michael. Essentially, it was starting at the roots and finding that authenticity.”
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Jaafar’s performance as well: “To see how much he cares, that’s what makes him so special. Whatever that spirit of Michael he’s bringing is present, and everyone on the team can feel it.”
With the film arriving in theaters on April 24, here’s what to know.
What is ‘Michael’ about?
According to the official release from Lionsgate, Michael is “the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.”
“The film 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,” the synopsis continues. “Highlighting both his life offstage 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.”
A trailer for the film teases these moments. Watch below.
Who will play Michael Jackson’s family?
In addition to Jaafar Jackson portraying an adult Michael, the pop icon will be portrayed as a child by Juliano Krue Valdi. Colman Domingo will portray his father, Jackson 5 manager Joe Jackson. Nia Long will play his mother, Katherine Jackson.
The King of Pop’s siblings are portrayed by a mix of adult and younger actors throughout the film. Jamal Henderson plays his older brother Jermaine Jackson, with Jayden Harville appearing as young Jermaine. Tré Horton portrays Marlon Jackson, while Jaylen Lyndon Hunter plays him as a child. Rhyan Hill appears as Tito Jackson, with Judah Edwards portraying young Tito, and Joseph David-Jones plays Jackie Jackson alongside Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as his younger counterpart. Michael’s older sister, La Toya Jackson, is played by Jessica Sula.
Why isn’t Janet Jackson portrayed in the movie?
Fans had long speculated about who would play Janet, but it turns out that she won’t appear in the film at all.
“I wish everybody was in the movie,” La Toya told Variety at the movie’s Los Angeles premiere on April 20. “She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes.”
Which celebrities will appear in the film?
Other characters from Michael’s life include Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer and manager John Branca, Laura Harrier as Michael’s mentor Suzanne de Passe and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Michael’s bodyguard.
The film also features a number of well-known figures from music and entertainment, including Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran.
Will ‘Michael’ highlight Jackson’s sexual abuse allegations?
Early reports initially suggested that Michael would address the 1993 allegations of child sexual abuse made against the artist. However, Variety reported this month that they were removed from the film’s finale and that it’ll end with Michael on his Bad tour, which concluded in 1989.
Why were they left on the cutting room floor? Variety reported that it was because one of Michael’s accusers was guaranteed in a settlement with Michael’s estate — a producer on the film — that he wouldn’t be depicted or mentioned in any type of project. The estate realized that late and had to figure out a new ending.
Prior to his 2019 death, Michael denied any wrongdoing and was never criminally convicted of anything associated with the allegations. His estate continues to proclaim his innocence.
What does Jackson’s family think of the film?
In September 2025, Domingo claimed in an interview with People that Paris Jackson, the 28-year-old daughter of Michael, was supportive of the film. She later said on Instagram that she was not involved in the project in any way and that while she believes fans may appreciate the movie, it portrays an inaccurate picture of her father’s life. She also alleged the movie features “full-blown lies” about the star.
“At the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me. I don’t really like dishonesty,” she wrote at the time. “I spoke up, I wasn’t heard, I f***ed off. Y’all are gonna like the f***ing movie. So just, go watch it, go enjoy it, do whatever, leave me out of it.”
Michael’s other children, 29-year-old Prince and 24-year-old Bigi, are seemingly supportive of the film, with Prince reportedly heavily involved in the filmmaking process and Bigi showing his support by attending the Berlin film premiere.
Michael’s siblings La Toya, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon have also shown support for the project. Randy, who joined the Jackson 5 after Jermaine stepped down to launch a solo career, has reportedly been locked in a family conflict with Jermaine for years and has not commented. His brother Tito died in 2024.
At the L.A. premiere, director Fuqua spoke about Janet’s absence in the movie. “I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know, it’s OK,” he said. “She’s supportive of Jaafar, and that’s what matters.”
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