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Jaafar Jackson's first glimpse as King of Pop Michael Jackson has received more than thirty million views in the first few hours of it's release, marking a crucial record for the upcoming biopic. The teaser showed Jaafar, who is the nephew of Michael, playing the role to perfection as he stepped into costumes, eras and different avatars of the musical legend. The video showed glimpses of the actor as Michael during the beginning of his musical journey, performing on stage, recording music in his studio and donning some iconic costumes that Jackson is known for.
The feat has led to Lionsgate considering a second project as Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson opened up to Deadline about the positive reviews the teaser has gotten. As the outlet reported, Fogelson said,
“Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional. While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.”
Further praising Jaafar's performance he added,
“People have been waiting a long time for this. I think people are stunned with Jaafar’s (Jackson’s) performance.”
More details about Michael
Michael, the upcoming American biographical musical drama that dives deep into the extraordinary yet turbulent life of Michael Jackson, will explore the global icon who reshaped music, dance, and fame itself. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by John Logan, the film features Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, making his debut in the daunting role of his legendary uncle. The ensemble cast includes Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo, among others.
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.
Development for the film began in 2019 when producer Graham King secured rights to Jackson’s story, with Logan attached as the screenwriter. Lionsgate officially boarded the project in February 2022, later partnering with Universal Pictures for international distribution and Kino Films for the Japanese release. Casting began in mid-2022, and after months of auditions, Fuqua was confirmed as director in January 2023, with Jaafar Jackson cast soon after. By early 2024, the film had rounded out its ensemble with a mix of Hollywood veterans and rising stars.
Production was initially slated for mid-2023 in Santa Barbara, California, with an estimated $120 million budget for crew and vendors. However, filming was postponed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and officially began on January 22, 2024, wrapping on May 30. Dion Beebe served as cinematographer, Barbara Ling as production designer, and Marci Rodgers as costume designer.
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Michael will be in theaters on April 24, 2026.
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