It will star Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar, as the King of Pop.
The incredible life and career of none other than Michael Jackson have been adapted for the big screen.
Lionsgate spilled the beans back in January 2023 that they were cooking up something special, and since then, they have dished out more details. Simply titled, Michael, the studio rolled out an exclusive trailer that gave only theater owners an exclusive sneak peek into how they’ve rendered Jackson’s incredible life story, which includes the most memorable performances of the Jackson 5, and incorporates over 30 of Jackson’s most popular songs.
The film follows in the footsteps of the massively successful Broadway production of MJ: The Musical, which showcases the journey of the late singer’s life, focusing on his preparation for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The stage show premiered in February 2022, featuring Mike’s Frost and received four Tony Awards that same year. The first national tour began in August 2023, with Roman Wellington Banks taking on the lead role.
Want to know all the exciting details about the biopic, Michael? Well, look no further; from the release date to the cast, here’s everything you need to know.
Who is in the cast?
Jackson’s 27-year-old nephew,
Jaafar (he is the son of Jermaine Jackson) was chosen to take on the iconic lead role after an extensive global casting search. Producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) says confidently that Jaafar is the perfect choice for this pivotal portrayal. “It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role,” King said in an interview.
In January 2024, Lionsgate also announced that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi was cast to portray a young Jackson, as the film covers his rise to fame with his brothers in the Jackson 5. Towards the end of the month, it was revealed that Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, known for his starring, Oscar-nominated role in Rustin, plays the Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson. King expressed his gratitude for having worked with Domingo, stating that he has “such incredible range.”
The always amazing Nia Long plays the role of Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson family. Long described Katherine as “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” She added, “As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”
Rounding out the cast of the Jackson 5 group is Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie.
Miles Teller plays the role of John Branca, who became Michael’s manager after Joe Jackson. He was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist, notably with the release of Thriller.
What is the biopic about?
According to a brief summary of the film’s screenplay, “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
“The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale – from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances,” the statement continues. “As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
King promises the film is not going to be a sanitized, typical version of Jackson’s life. In addition to showcasing his meteoric rise in the music industry as well as his many achievements and incredible moments, the film will also delve into all aspects of his life, including his troubled childhood and even the controversial sexual abuse allegations covered in the HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland from 2019.
Who is the director of Michael?
Michael will be helmed by the great Antoine Fuqua, known for his phenomenal directorial work on films like Training Day, Southpaw and Emancipation, as well as powerful documentaries such as What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali, and Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers.
“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” said Fuqua in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”
The screenplay for Michael was written by Oscar nominee and Tony award winner, John Logan (Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, and Sam Mendes’s James Bond films, Skyfall and Spectre. Graham King produced the film along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.
Does Michael Jackson’s family support the biopic?
Not only was the biopic made with the stamp of approval from Michael Jackson’s estate, but Michael has also received endorsements from those closest to the late singer.
Katherine, Michael’s mother, even mentioned that Jaafar really “embodies” her son. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” Katherine told The Hollywood Reporter.
When did filming begin for Michael?
Per a press release from Lionsgate, filming was pushed back because of the SAG-AFTRA strike last September, but they finally started shooting on January 22, 2024 in beautiful Santa Barbara. It wrapped on May 30, 2024.
When is the biopic scheduled for release?
The film is scheduled for worldwide release on April 18, 2025.
“Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the blinding media spotlight, he [Jackson] was simply a man. A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it,” said King. “We are incredibly proud of this movie. I’m looking forward to giving to the audience a film like they’ve never seen before.”
