Lionsgate has finally released the first trailer for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about the life and career of pop icon Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, in a performance that has already stunned fans with its authenticity and likeness to the late superstar.
The one-minute teaser, released on Thursday, 6 November 2025, offers a first glimpse of Jaafar’s transformation into the global music legend. In the trailer, Kendrick Sampson, who plays producer Quincy Jones, introduces Jackson’s journey from a gifted child in the Jackson 5 to the world-dominating solo artist who defined 1980s pop culture.
“I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this,” Sampson says in the clip.
“The tracks are made. The songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top.”
Jaafar, 29, channels his uncle’s voice, movements, and stage charisma in a way that has impressed both fans and critics.
The trailer recreates several of Michael Jackson’s most memorable performances, including the Thriller era, with meticulous attention to costume, choreography, and sound.
The final scene in the teaser even includes a playful exchange between Jackson and Jones, as the producer jokingly warns, “OK, but remember: in here, keep those feet still, my man.”
Michael has been in development for several years. According to Lionsgate and GK Films, the movie was written by John Logan and produced by Graham King, the same producer behind Bohemian Rhapsody.
Production was delayed by the 2023 actors’ strike but resumed in early 2024, with filming wrapping up in May 2024. The movie was shot primarily in California with a production budget estimated at $155 million .
The film promises to cover Jackson’s full life, from his beginnings as a child star with the Jackson 5, through his rise to global fame, to his later years marked by controversy and tragedy.
Producers have described the script as “a humanising but not sanitised portrayal” of Jackson, tackling both his genius and the controversies surrounding him.
The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca, and Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe.
Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross, while Larenz Tate takes on the role of Berry Gordy.
Filmmakers have confirmed that the movie will not shy away from complex aspects of Jackson’s life but will aim to present “an honest, balanced story.”
Early reactions from industry insiders who previewed footage at CinemaCon were overwhelmingly positive, praising the visual scale and Jaafar’s performance.
Lionsgate has scheduled Michael for worldwide release on 24 April 2026, with Universal Pictures handling international distribution.
Given the scope of the production and Jackson’s continued cultural relevance, Michael is already being called one of 2026’s biggest theatrical releases.
Watch the trailer below:
