On July 24, 2025, it was announced that Michael, a movie about the life of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, will now release worldwide on April 24, 2026. Originally planned for October 2025, the film needed extra time for reshoots and editing after wrapping in May 2024. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by John Logan, and produced by Oscar-winner Graham King (The Departed), it stars Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson’s movie delayed? Can’t wait to see Jaafar as MJ!
What’s the Movie About?
Michael tells the story of how Michael Jackson became a global superstar. It dives into his life, showing the highs and lows of being one of the world’s most famous and groundbreaking artists. Lionsgate is releasing it in the U.S., while Universal handles most other countries, except Japan, where Kino Films takes over. Lionsgate’s CEO Jon Feltheimer hinted in May that the release might shift to 2026 due to the film’s long initial cut and extra filming.
A movie about MJ’s life? That’s gonna be such a cool story!
Star-Studded Cast
Jaafar Jackson plays Michael, with a big cast bringing the story to life:
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Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson, MJ’s parents.
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Miles Teller as John Branca, MJ’s lawyer.
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Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Motown Records founder.
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Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, a music executive.
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Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
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Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, MJ’s sister.
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Liv Symone as Gladys Knight.
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Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark.
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KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, MJ’s friend and security.
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Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, who met MJ when he was 12.
What a lineup! So many stars playing music legends!
Michael’s Tragic End
The movie may cover MJ’s death in 2009 at age 50 from propofol overdose in Los Angeles. His doctor, Conrad Murray, found him not breathing and tried CPR, but MJ was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center. The coroner ruled it a homicide, as Murray gave MJ propofol and anti-anxiety drugs. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011, served two years of a four-year sentence, and was released in 2013 for good behavior.
MJ’s story is so sad at the end. This movie’s gonna hit hard!
Why This Matters
Michael could be a big hit, showing the life of a music icon through Jaafar Jackson’s performance and a stellar cast. Its delay to 2026 shows the team wants it perfect, like Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan aiming for TIFF glory. An X post from @Variety said, “Michael biopic with Jaafar Jackson as MJ moves to April 2026!” With India shining in films like Bayaan and global moves like UPI, this movie adds to the world’s cultural buzz. What do you think about the Michael Jackson biopic? Tell me!