The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biography, aptly titled as Michaelhas released its first teaser, introducing the world to a transformative performance by the King of Pop’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
The film is directed by Antonie Fuqua and is scheduled to premiere on April 24, 2026.
The one-minute trailer, which was released on November 6, gives a very potent insight into the creepy way Jaafar portrays his late uncle.
The film will be an in-depth study of the world superstar’s complicated life.
It will be an intimate look into the life and long-standing legacy of one of the most influential and trailblazing in the world with the official synopsis stating that it will explore the journey of the global superstar who has become known to the world as the King of Pop.
Who’s Who in the Michael Jackson Biopic
- Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson (formidable patriarch of the Jackson family)
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson (Michael’s beloved mother)
- Jermaine Jackson played by Jamal R. Henderson (adult) and Jayden Harville (young).
- Marlon Jackson played by Tre Horton (adult) and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (young).
- Tito Jackson played by Rhyan Hill (adult) and Judah Edwards (young).
- Jackie Jackson played by Joseph David-Jones (adult) and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (young).
- Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson: Michael’s older sister.
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones: The legendary producer who worked closely with Michael on his landmark albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad.”
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy: The founder of Motown Records, the label that launched the Jackson 5.
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross: The superstar who mentored the young Jackson 5 and was a lifelong friend to Michael.
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe: The pioneering Motown executive who helped develop the Jackson 5’s early career.
- Liv Symone as Gladys Knight: The Empress of Soul who helped bring the Jackson 5 to Berry Gordy’s attention.
- Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark: The famous TV host on “American Bandstand”.
- Miles Teller as John Branca: Michael’s longtime entertainment attorney and executor.
- Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran: The famous lawyer who represented Michael during the 1993 prosecution.
The script, written by John Logan, has been reported to be an adaptation of the child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, and producer Graham King is quoted as saying that they intend for it to be a humanization and not a sanitization of the story.
The project has had a convoluted journey to the screen, such as industrial strikes and the reports of massive reshoots to polish the film, which is now likely to have significant screen time.
However, the original footage has created a lot of hype and made Michael one of the most anticipated biopics of the decade.
