Lionsgate's Michael movie trailer brings the legend back to life

Based on the life of American pop singer and dancer Michael Jackson, Michael is a biographical musical directed by Antoine Fuqua. Scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, the film features the late singer's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role.

Lionsgate dropped the first trailer for the upcoming film, which also features Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo, among other actors in the ensemble cast. The film's development began late in November 2019; however, production was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

The narrative will reportedly explore the late singer's life, from his childhood to his rise to fame as the celebrated pop artist during the 1980s, and his death in June 2009. While the film's synopsis is yet to be revealed, the screenplay also features a part which highlights the 1993 sexual abuse allegations against Jackson.

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Lionsgate reignites the Pop icon legacy with the first trailer for Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic

In the first trailer of Lionsgate upcoming biopic of the late pop icon, Jaafar Jackson embodies the late singer and the actor's uncle, Michael Jackson.

The trailer visuals features electrifying performances which can be easily recognized by any of Jackson's oldest fans. One such visual features Jaafar wearing the iconic black fedora and sequined glove, adopting the unmistakable pose from his Billie Jean live performance. It also features him in a recording studio implying that he is preparing to record another song.

Additionally, the trailer quick cuts showcase the grand scale of his global tours, featuring massive stadium crowds and blinding stage lights. A scene also gives a short glimpse of the Thriller music song. The trailer concludes with the recording man at the studio stating:

"In here, keey those feet still, my man."

One of the film's producer, Graham King, shared with Variety that he committed to the project with an open-minded perspective, investing several years in comprehensive research. This study encompassed the full range of Jackson's career and personal life, from his musical artistry and charitable endeavours to his most challenging struggles. He stated:

“Michael’s life was complicated. As a filmmaker, I look to humanize but not sanitize and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it. Michael clearly remains an impactful, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.”

The fim's production faced significant scrutiny regarding how it will address the child sexual abuse allegations that shadowed the singer’s later years. The film is being made with the full cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate, which has licensed Jackson’s music and life rights to the production.

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Stay tuned for more updates.

Edited by Suchita Patnaha