Lionsgate, in partnership with Universal Pictures, has announced the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael’, is set for release in theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026. This cinematic portrayal of the life and monumental legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known will star Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, making his cinematic debut as The King of Pop. The film promises to tell the story of Jackson’s extraordinary life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the earliest discovery of his immense talent as the lead singer of the Jackson Five, to his evolution into the visionary artist whose relentless creative ambition propelled him to become the biggest entertainer on the planet.
Michael’ will highlight both his compelling life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, giving audiences a true front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before—a place where his story properly begins. The impressive cast list is robust, featuring Mia Long as Katherine Jackson, Coleman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branco, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. Numerous other legends are also portrayed, including Dick Clark, Mick Jagger, Gladys Knight, Tito Jackson, Sheryl Crow, Jermaine Jackson, and John Lennon.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film is expected to feature over two dozen songs from Jackson’s iconic music catalogue, promising a powerful soundtrack to match the dramatic scope of his life. To ensure maximum authenticity, Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch was specially restored for the film’s production. Furthermore, his historic “Thriller” video was meticulously recreated in the same original California location where Jackson famously performed the celebrated Thriller Dance in 1983, proving the dedication to capturing the magic and history of the icon.
