Everything we know about Michael Jackson's biopic

Ready for a moonwalk back to the big screen? Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is making his epic comeback with a cinematic biopic that’s set to shake up 2026. This isn’t just any tribute; it’s a full-on, star-studded, deep-dive journey into the life of the legendary artist himself. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, the film promises to peel back the glitter and spotlight to reveal the man behind the sequins.

From the electric highs of the Jackson 5 to the haunting final notes before his untimely death, Michael Jackson’s story is about to hit the screen with all the drama, music, and complexity that defined the icon’s life. Here’s everything you need to know about the star’s biopic — and a bit of tea on why its release has been delayed.

What will Michael Jackson's biopic focus on?

Directed by the acclaimed Antoine Fuqua and penned by John Logan, the film promises an epic journey through Michael’s life — from his early days as a prodigy in the Jackson 5 to the final chapters before his untimely death in 2009.

Filming began in early 2024, after delays caused by the 2023 actors’ strike. The project has since sparked rumors of being split into two parts due to its ambitious scope and a runtime stretching over three hours. Lionsgate will handle distribution in the U.S., while Universal Pictures will manage international releases.

The Jackson estate has stepped back from the creative process placing full trust in producer Graham King. In a statement to Variety, King described his approach to the film:

“[I] went into this project with an open-mind and spent years researching Michael Jackson’s life and work—from his artistry to his public and private struggles, to his humanitarian efforts. Michael’s life was complicated. As a filmmaker, I look to humanize but not sanitize and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it. Michael clearly remains an impactful, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.”

This biopic doesn’t just aim to celebrate Michael’s music — it seeks to humanize the man behind the glove, presenting an honest, uncompromising portrait that balances his brilliance with his struggles. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, Michael is poised to bring the pop icon’s story back to life in a way that’s as unforgettable as his moonwalk.

Who is starring in Michael?

The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, making his cinematic debut as the legend himself. It will delve into the highs and lows of a superstar’s life — from dazzling music and groundbreaking performances to family drama. It won’t shy away from the controversies that cast shadows over his legacy.

Beyond Jaafar, the film features a dynamic ensemble to bring the pop legend’s story to life. Juliano Krue Valdi portrays young Michael. Colman Domingo and Nia Long play Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller takes on the role of John Branca, Michael’s influential entertainment lawyer and manager.

The Jackson family is rounded out by Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine, Rhyan Hill as Tito, Tre Horton as Marlon, and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie — with younger versions of the brothers portrayed by Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Judah Edwards, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, respectively.

The film also features Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, and Liv Symone as Gladys Knight. Adding to the ensemble are Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Michael’s bodyguard Bill Bray, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran.

Why is Michael getting delayed?

Here’s the kicker: despite all that firepower, the studio somehow missed a massive legal landmine.

According to reports, Michael originally ended with a dramatization of the 1993 Jordan Chandler case — the very incident that first rocked Jackson’s image with allegations of child molestation. The screenplay reportedly portrayed Jackson as a victim and the Chandler family as manipulators. There’s just one problem: the Jackson estate signed a legal agreement back in the ’90s explicitly forbidding any dramatization of the Chandlers or their story.

As word of the mistake spread, the film’s already-shot ending had to be scrapped entirely. Now, the Michael team is deep into emergency reshoots. A new third act has been written — reportedly with all Chandler-related content removed — and filming begins next week. The estate is footing the bill for the do-over, but it will surely be a difficult — and time-consuming — task.

Will the biopic be divided into two parts?

There’s talk that the Michael Jackson's biopic — which allegedly runs close to four hours and features nearly two hours of performance footage — might be split into two films. Producer Graham King is pushing for it, and there are murmurs of additional filming in July to flesh out this new two-part vision, giving the story more breathing room — especially for the early years.

Part One is now expected to wrap around 1980, stopping before Thriller and well ahead of the infamous 1993 child abuse allegations that led to a 1994 settlement and, later, the 2005 trial. Splitting the film into two parts doesn’t just expand the narrative — it gives the filmmakers time to rethink how to handle the darker, more legally tangled chapters of Michael Jackson’s legacy.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer also issued a statement about the delay during the studio’s Q4 2025 earnings call. He said:

“In regard to our Michael Jackson biopic, we’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, and we will be announcing a definitive release strategy & timing in the next few weeks. I would note that it is likely we will move ‘Michael’ out of the fiscal year which will impact fiscal ’26 financial results but will bolster an already strong fiscal ’27 slate.”

More details on Michael are awaited for now.