A first look at the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, has been released, showing the late musician’s nephew Jaafar Jackson portraying him in several of his most recognisable moments.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, is scheduled for cinema release on April 24, 2026.
The teaser features Jaafar Jackson performing the Moonwalk and recreating scenes from the Thriller music video.
Michael Jackson biopic set for April 2026 release as first teaser debuts
According to the film’s description, Michael is “the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known,” exploring the Smooth Criminal singer’s “life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.”
Smooth Criminal
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“Smooth Criminal” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1987 as part of his seventh studio album, *Bad*, and is known for its distinctive melody and the dance sequences often associated with it.
The film’s cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Derek Luke, Larenz Tate and Miles Teller.
Fuqua, known for Training Day and The Equalizer films, directs from a script written by three-time Academy Award nominee John Logan. The project is distributed by Lionsgate.
Michael Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication. The biopic seeks to depict his life and influence in music and popular culture, though the treatment of the controversies surrounding him remains uncertain.
