Michael Jackson has left a complex legacy, but at least part of it will be explored in Michael, the upcoming biopic from director Antoine Fuqua, which has set a date and location for its international premiere: April 10, in Berlin, followed by a multi-day fan festival. The news comes fresh from Munich Film Week, where the film’s producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) confirmed to fans that the film would debut later this year in the German capital.
In the film’s first trailer, which was released late last year, Kendrick Sampson, who in the film plays Quincy Jones, says “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.” What follows is a mix of clips of Jackson’s childhood and some of his more iconic performances and music videos, including “Thriller,” while the 1982 chart-topper “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” plays.
Michael stars Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as Michael Jackson alongside Nia Long (Empire, The Best Man franchise) as Katherine Jackson, Laura Harrier (BlacKkKlansman, Spider-Man: Homecoming) as Suzanne De Passe and Juliano Krue Valdi (The Loud House, Arco) as a younger Michael Jackon, with Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick, Whiplash) as John Branca and two-time Academy Award® nominee Colman Domingo (Sing Sing, Rustin) as Joe Jackson.
Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen, The Equalizer), from a screenplay by three-time Academy Award® nominee John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator). The film is produced by Academy Award® winner Graham King for his company GK Films, alongside executive producers John Branca (This Is It, Thriller 40) and John McClain (This Is It, Thriller 40). The film is distributed internationally by Universal Pictures.
The biopic is set to be released in theatres on April 23, 2026, moving from its original October 3, 2025 date. Although Michael wrapped production in May 2024, it underwent reshoots, and there were reports that it was split into two parts — though the trailer makes it appear to be just one film. Watch the trailer below.
This story first appeared on Variety Australia
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
