Michael Jackson "Michael" Trailer: First Look at Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop
The wait for the most anticipated musical biopic in history is over. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures have officially released the first trailer for Michael, the sprawling cinematic look at the life and legacy of Michael Jackson.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film is set to hit theaters worldwide on April 18, 2026.
Watch the Official "Michael" Trailer
The three-minute teaser takes us from the humble beginnings of the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, to the global frenzy of the Dangerous World Tour.
The Transformation: The trailer offers our first high-definition look at Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s real-life nephew) in the title role. From the signature curls to the effortless moonwalk, the resemblance is uncanny.
The Sound: Featuring a sweeping medley of "Man in the Mirror," "Thriller," and "Billie Jean," the trailer highlights Jaafar's vocal performance, which blends his own voice with archival recordings of his uncle.
The Tone: The footage suggests a balanced narrative, showing the joy of performance alongside the intense scrutiny and personal struggles Michael faced under the global spotlight.
The Star-Studded Cast
Beyond Jaafar Jackson’s transformative performance, the Michael official cast list features heavy hitters:
Colman Domingo as the strict patriarch, Joe Jackson.
Nia Long as the family matriarch, Katherine Jackson.
Miles Teller as legendary attorney John Branca.
Laura Harrier as pioneering music executive Suzanne de Passe.
Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael during the Jackson 5 era.
Production & Creative Team
The film promises to be a visual and auditory feast, utilizing Academy Award-winning talent across the board:
Screenplay: Written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator).
Cinematography: Captured by Dion Beebe (Memoirs of a Geisha).
Choreography: Led by Rich + Tone Talauega, who worked closely with Michael Jackson for years.
"Michael" arrives only in theaters on April 18, 2026. Are you ready to witness the legend again?