The first trailer for Michael Jackson biopic Michael was released Thursday and it’s a reminder of what made Jackson an icon.
The video shows the late singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson transform into the King of Pop and it reveals Kendrick Sampson as legendary producer Quincy Jones.
“I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top,” Sampson says in a scene set in a recording studio.
Related: First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Thrills Film Critics
Jaafar, who is the son of Jermaine Jackson, embodies his uncle’s voice, mannerisms and dance moves as “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” plays in the background.
The minute-long video is filled with music and shots of Jaafar on stage, but other than that it doesn’t reveal much about the film.
This is the first footage to be released for the general public after critics were given a glimpse of the biopic at CinemaCon 2024 last April in Las Vegas.
“The reaction in the room was wow,” movie critic Kathia Woods told Urban Hollywood 411 last year. “The audience was impressed by the visual presentation especially of Jaafar Jackson in the titular role.”
The upcoming biopic is helmed by Antoine Fuqua and approved by Jackson’s estate.
In addition to Jaafar and Sampson, the cast includes Colman Domingo as family patriarch Joe Jackson. Nia Long portrays Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller plays the singer’s longtime manager John Branca.
Larenz Tate portrays Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier plays Motown executive Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross, and Juliano Krue Valdi is a
young Michael Jackson.
“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 Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world,” according to the official description.
It’s unclear if the movie will address the sexual abuse allegations leveled against Jackson.
The authorized biopic is produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), along with John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Jackson’s estate. Antoine Fuqua directs from a script written by John Logan (Gladiator).
Michael was originally scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 18, 2025, before it was moved to Oct. 3, 2025, then pushed to 2026.
The trailer reveals the new release date is April 24, 2026.
Check out the trailer for Michael below:
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