‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Becomes the King of Pop in First Footage From Biopic

The initial teaser for Lionsgate's much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," has now debuted. Helmed by director Antoine Fuqua, the movie features Jaafar Jackson, the late superstar's nephew, stepping into the iconic lead part. This first look will be shown in theaters ahead of "Now You See Me: Now You Don’t," opening with a powerful studio moment where Kendrick Sampson, playing the legendary producer Quincy Jones, urges Jackson to begin recording, noting the long-awaited nature of the film.

Set to the pulsating beat of Jackson's 1982 hit "Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’," the preview offers a dynamic montage of his life. It blends his childhood memories with electrifying concert footage and groundbreaking music videos, including the era-defining "Thriller." This structure underscores the film's goal of offering an intimate perspective on the King of Pop's rise and lasting cultural impact. As one industry analyst noted, "The success of this film will hinge on its ability to honor Jackson's artistic genius while navigating the well-documented controversies of his life—a delicate balancing act that will define its legacy."

An impressive supporting cast surrounds Jaafar Jackson, including Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson's longtime lawyer, and Colman Domingo and Nia Long as his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who was instrumental in launching the Jackson 5's career. The ensemble is completed by Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, with Liv Symone and Kevin Shinick playing Gladys Knight and Dick Clark, respectively.

The global release date for "Michael" has been moved from October 3, 2025, to April 24, 2026. While filming wrapped in May 2024, additional reshoots fueled speculation about a potential two-part story. The newly released trailer, however, clearly frames the project as a single, unified film. The script was written by John Logan, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter known for "Gladiator" and "The Aviator." Producers include John Branca and Graham King, who co-administer the Jackson estate, alongside John McClain, with David B. Householter serving as executive producer.

Michael Jackson, whose 1982 album "Thriller" remains the best-selling album of all time with estimated global sales of 70 million copies, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This biopic aims to delve into the complex interplay between his unparalleled creative achievements and the personal struggles that played out in the relentless glare of the media. With a distinguished director and a carefully chosen cast, "Michael" is poised to become the definitive film portrait of the artist. It arrives as the musical biopic genre enjoys a major resurgence, following blockbusters like "Bohemian Rhapsody," which earned over $900 million and demonstrated the massive commercial potential of well-told artist stories.