‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Becomes the King of Pop in First Footage From Biopic

'Michael'
Lionsgate

Lionsgate has released the trailer for “Michael,” Antoine Fuqua‘s upcoming biopic chronicling the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The teaser will make its theatrical debut ahead of “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.”

Jackson is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson. The trailer opens with the iconic singer in the studio with Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson), who 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.” Clips of Jackson’s childhood and iconic performances and music videos, including “Thriller,” flash by as his 1982 hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” plays.

Alongside Jaafar Jackson, “Michael” also stars Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney and adviser John Branca, Colman Domingo as his father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as his sister LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as pioneering music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.

The biopic is set to be released in theaters on April 24, 2026, moving from its original Oct. 3, 2025 date. Although “Michael” wrapped production in May 2024, it underwent reshoots and there were reports about it being split into two parts — though from the trailer, it appears to be just one film.

“‘Michael’ explores the global superstar’s journey to become known to the world as the King of Pop, presenting an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known,” the synopsis reads.

Other cast members include Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson’s former security-turned-trusted friend and confidante Bill Bray; and Kendrick Sampson as industry icon Quincy Jones, who first met Jackson when he was just 12 years old.

John Logan (“Alien: Covenant,” “Rango”) penned the script for “Michael.” John Branca, Graham King and John McClain serve as producers. David B. Householter serves as executive producer.

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Watch the trailer for “Michael” below.

From Variety US