Lionsgate Unveils First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’
Poster of Michael Jackson biopic. (Image teaser)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced with the Jackson estate, the 90-second teaser traces the King of Pop’s rise from Jackson 5 prodigy to global icon — ahead of the film’s April 2026 theatrical release.
By S JHA
Mumbai, November 6, 2025 — Lionsgate released the highly anticipated first teaser trailer for Michael, the biographical drama chronicling the life of Michael Jackson. The 90-second clip, unveiled on Thursday features Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s nephew — portraying his legendary uncle in an emotionally charged performance that charts the King of Pop’s transformation from child star to global music phenomenon.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Emancipation) and produced in partnership with the Michael Jackson estate, Michael is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 24, 2026. The production faced several delays since its announcement in early 2023, with filming finally wrapping earlier this year.
The teaser juxtaposes archival footage with lavish recreations of Jackson’s iconic performances — from the Jackson 5’s Motown debut to his gravity-defying moonwalk and the electrifying Thriller era. The tone is celebratory, emphasizing Jackson’s artistry, ambition, and global reach, while deliberately sidestepping the controversies that shadowed his later life.
The cast features Colman Domingo as the stern family patriarch Joe Jackson and Nia Long as matriarch Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller appears as the pop star’s attorney.
On social media, fans and industry watchers reacted with fervour. Entertainment analyst Luiz Fernando wrote on X, “If there ever was a potential 1B music biopic, THIS IS IT,” calling the trailer “emotional” and “thrilling.” Another user, Shield Supremacy, posted: “Highest paid dead celebrity, internationally successful musical, music sales soaring, music streams reaching new heights… nephew starring in your future billion-dollar biopic. Michael, you will always be the king.”
Michael Jackson: A Life in Spotlight
Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Michael Joseph Jackson rose to fame as the precociously talented lead singer of the Jackson 5. Managed by his father Joe Jackson, the group became one of Motown’s biggest acts in the late 1960s with hits like I Want You Back and ABC.
As a solo artist, Jackson revolutionized pop music. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling record of all time, blending pop, funk, and R&B with groundbreaking music videos that reshaped the entertainment industry. With albums like Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory, he continued to push creative and visual boundaries, while his stage performances — including the legendary moonwalk at the Motown 25 special — cemented his global superstardom.
Yet, Jackson’s personal life was as scrutinized as his artistry was celebrated. His appearance changes, eccentric lifestyle, and child abuse allegations — which he consistently denied — drew worldwide controversy. Despite the turbulence, his influence on music, dance, and pop culture remains immeasurable.
When he died on June 25, 2009, at age 50, from acute propofol intoxication, the world mourned the loss of an artist whose innovation defined an era.
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