We have our first behind-the-scenes look at the new Michael Jackson biopic.
Titled simply Michael, the film highlights the controversial pop icon’s rise to fame, moving through his early days in the Jackson 5 — where he remained under the thumb of his tough father, Joe Jackson — to his hit-making solo career. The first behind-the-scenes video from the production highlights the film’s star: Jaafar Jackson, the late 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 says in the video, which features clips of him from set embodying his uncle’s most iconic moments, such as the “Thriller” music video and Michael’s famous moonwalk dance. “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.”
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? Who is playing Janet Jackson?
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. Tre 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.
The casting of Janet Jackson, while long speculated about, has not yet been revealed.
What 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 said that Michael will address, at least in some way, the 1993 allegations of child sexual abuse made against the artist. It is unclear if they will make it into the final cut of the film, or if any other allegations against him that came out later will be noted.
Prior to his 2019 death, Jackson denied any wrongdoing and was never criminally convicted of anything associated with the allegations. His estate continues to proclaim his innocence.
Will ‘Michael’ be a two-part film?
In April 2025, the Hollywood Reporter reported that Lionsgate, the studio behind the film, was considering splitting the film into two parts. This news came after Puck reported in January 2025 that the movie’s final act featured a dramatization of one of Jackson’s accusers in his sexual abuse case, even though the accuser was guaranteed during a settlement with Jackson’s estate that they wouldn’t be featured in any type of project. A two-part version would have given producers time to handle the issue and craft a proper ending.
However, as of now, Michael is not being promoted as a two-film event.
What does Jackson’s family think of the film?
In September 2025, Domingo claimed in an interview with People that Paris Jackson, the daughter of Michael, was supportive of the film. She later said on Instagram that neither she nor her brother Prince was involved in the project in any way, and that while she believes fans may appreciate the movie, it ultimately 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***** off. Y’all are gonna like the f****** movie. So just, go watch it, go enjoy it, do whatever, leave me out of it.”
When is ‘Michael’ coming out?
Though the film was originally slated for an October 2025 release date, the film will now hit theaters on April 24.