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The new Michael Jackson biopic is now in theaters.<\/p>\n
The film, Michael, highlights the controversial pop icon\u2019s rise to fame<\/a>, moving through his early days in the Jackson 5 \u2014 during which he remained under the thumb of his tough father, Joe Jackson \u2014 to his hitmaking solo career. It stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael\u2019s real-life nephew and the son of former Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson.<\/p>\n \u201cI never dreamed of being an actor or even thought of playing him, but I knew it was a calling,\u201d Jaafar said in a behind-the-scenes look at the film, which features clips of him embodying his uncle\u2019s most iconic moments, such as being in the \u201cThriller\u201d music video and moonwalking. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Director Antoine Fuqua praised Jaafar\u2019s performance as well: \u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n With the film arriving in theaters on April 24, here\u2019s what to know.<\/p>\n According to the official release from Lionsgate, Michael is \u201cthe cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe film tells the story of Michael Jackson\u2019s 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,\u201d the synopsis continues. \u201cHighlighting 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.\u201d<\/p>\n A trailer for the film teases these moments. Watch below.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The King of Pop\u2019s 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. Tr\u00e9 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\u2019s older sister, La Toya Jackson, is played by Jessica Sula.<\/p>\n Fans had long speculated about<\/a> who would play Janet, but it turns out that she won\u2019t appear in the film<\/a> at all.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish everybody was in the movie,\u201d La Toya told Variety<\/a> at the movie\u2019s Los Angeles premiere on April 20. \u201cShe was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes.\u201d<\/p>\n Other characters from Michael\u2019s life include Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer and manager John Branca, Laura Harrier as Michael\u2019s mentor Suzanne de Passe and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Michael\u2019s bodyguard.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Early reports<\/a> initially suggested that Michael would address the 1993 allegations of child sexual abuse<\/a> made against the artist. However, Variety reported this month that they were removed from the film\u2019s finale and that it\u2019ll end with Michael on his Bad tour, which concluded in 1989.<\/p>\n Why were they left on the cutting room floor? Variety reported that it was because one of Michael\u2019s accusers was guaranteed in a settlement with Michael\u2019s estate \u2014\u00a0a producer on the film \u2014 that he wouldn\u2019t be depicted or mentioned in any type of project. The estate realized that late and had to figure out a new ending.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> and that while she believes fans may appreciate the movie, it portrays an inaccurate picture of her father\u2019s life. She also alleged the movie features \u201cfull-blown lies\u201d about the star.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of the day, that doesn\u2019t really fly with me. I don\u2019t really like dishonesty,\u201d she wrote at the time. \u201cI spoke up, I wasn\u2019t heard, I f***ed off. Y\u2019all are gonna like the f***ing movie. So just, go watch it, go enjoy it, do whatever, leave me out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Michael\u2019s other children, 29-year-old Prince and 24-year-old Bigi, are seemingly supportive of the film<\/a>, with Prince reportedly heavily involved in the filmmaking process and Bigi showing his support by attending the Berlin film premiere.<\/p>\nWhat is \u2018Michael\u2019 about?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Who will play Michael Jackson\u2019s family?<\/h2>\n
Why isn\u2019t Janet Jackson portrayed in the movie?<\/h2>\n
Which celebrities will appear in the film?<\/h2>\n
Will \u2018Michael\u2019 highlight Jackson\u2019s sexual abuse allegations?<\/h2>\n
What does Jackson\u2019s family think of the film?<\/h2>\n