Jaafar Jackson is unrecognisable in the first trailer for Michael

The world finally got it's first glimpse at Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, as the teaser for the upcoming biopic is finally out. Jaafar, who is Michael;s 29-year old nephew is unrecognizable as the King of Pop as he steps into the moonwalking shoes of his legendary uncle. The teaser takes fans through various phases of the musician's life, promising a biopic that stays true to Michael's legacy.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film has been through multiple delays before finally landing on a release date. The teaser shows Jaafar as a young Michael in the studio, surrounded by microphones and mixing boards as a voiceover announces, “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.”

There on the teaser makes it's way through grand moments of grandeur and intimacy. Packed stadiums, his iconic performances, iconic attires and his signature dances. The teaser flashes through significant moments of the musician's life: his meteoric rise, his artistry and his work in the studio. Jaafar channels his uncle with remarkable precision, from the crisp white shirts and tailored black trousers to the gravity-defying dance moves that redefine pop performance. One quick sequence recreates the iconic Thriller video, complete with the red-and-black leather jacket and eerie choreography that became part of music history.

More details about Michael

Michael traces the extraordinary life and legacy of Michael Jackson, in a biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his debut role as the King of Pop and the ensemble cast includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke. The screenplay does not shy away from controversy. Producer Graham King emphasized his goal of creating a story that “humanizes but doesn’t sanitize,” acknowledging the sensitive chapters of Jackson’s life, including the more controversial parts of his life.

The official synopsis of the film reads,

MICHAEL will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale -- from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.

Despite rumors of chaos during post-production, Lionsgate confirmed in early 2025 that the film remained on schedule. However, with a reported four-hour runtime, discussions began about splitting Michael into two parts. After several delays and additional photography, the film settled into its 2026 release slot with a revised runtime of three and a half hours.