Finally, a movie following the life of the infamous superstar, Michael Jackson, has been released. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” was released in theaters on April 24, 2026. The producers of the film include, John Branca, Graham King, John McClain, and John McColgan. The film had plenty of opportunities to make this an outstanding movie, given $155 million USD to make it.
“Michael” follows the life and legacy of Jackson, as he rose to be an icon, and one of the greatest international superstars of all time. This film highlights Jackson’s complicated relationship with his father, his health diagnoses, his musical talent, his determination and goal to achieve popularity, and his struggle with managing his fans and paparazzi. The film begins in Jackson’s early home life, where Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, began forming the frameworks of the Jackson 5 band. The band included Michael, along with his other family members, Jermaine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Randy Jackson, and more. The creation of this band sparked the family’s move to Encino, California, along with strict, strenuous practices, and added stress. In 1968, the band was finally signed by Motown, marking the turning point in Michael’s musical career. Soon enough, Micahel’s song took off with his creation of the popular albums such as Thriller and Off the Wall. Songs such as “Thriller” and “Beat It” also went viral for their catchy and entertaining music videos . During this era, John Branca became his lawyer, helping him make and close deals, in order to make important decisions in his career.
The film continues to cover components of Michael’s personal life, highlighting his experience and relationship with his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles, along with his medical diagnosis of Vertigo. Vertigo is a disease that causes ringing in the ears, dizziness, and REM, making his performances more difficult, and causing him to become reliant on his prescribed medications. The film ends while Jackson is on his Bad World Tour, where he finally proves that he is free from his fathers control, marking the peak of his success, and showcasing his first tour as a solo singer.
Fans appreciated the casting of “Michael,” with Jafaar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, playing the role of Michael. Many feel that it made the film more personal, and that by Jafaar playing the role of his uncle, he was able to successfully mirror Michael’s moves, mannerisms, and most importantly, voice. Colman Domingo, known for his role in films such as “Candyman,” “Euphoria,” and “The Color Purple,” played the role of Joe Jackson.Additionally, the recently popular Miles Teller, known for “Whiplash,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Divergent,” portrays John Branca, Michael’s lawyer and co-executor of his estate, who was a crucial figure in Michael’s life.
Overall, many fans are impressed by this movie, especially for it being Jafaar’s s only acting role in a film . However, many are upset over the fact that the movie did not address more controversial aspects of his life, and feel that it was not an entirely accurate representation of his life. IMDb rated it 7.7/10 stars, and the film has 39% Rotten Tomatoes. Fans have waited a long time for a film about Michael Jackson, and it is exciting for many to finally learn more about his life, and see him represented by his very own nephew.
