The Michael Jackson biopic by Lionsgate and Universal has an exciting new release update: Find out key details

The Michael Jackson biopic from Lionsgate, titled 'Michael,' is scheduled to release in 2026. As per the latest reports from Deadline, the film will release in theaters on April 24, 2026.

It is not the first time the biopic has faced a delay. The film was initially expected to arrive in the cinemas in 2025. It was supposed to be released on April 18, 2025. Later, the release date was pushed a few months later, in October. However, the latest update suggests that the film will be out next year.

Variety reveals that Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer hinted at this delay during a recent earnings call. As per reports, he said:

“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.”

So, the fans of the King of Pop will have to wait a little longer to see his life on big screens.

Michael Jackson's nephew plays the King of Pop in the upcoming biopic from Lionsgate

Jaafar Jackson is set to play his uncle in the upcoming biopic about his uncle, Michael Jackson. The project marks his acting debut in a feature film. Two-time Oscar-nominated star, Colmon Domingo (Sing Sing, Rustin), will play Michael's father, Joe Jackson, while Nia Long (Boyz n the Hood, Friday) will play his mother, Katherine.

REELZ Presents "Living With The Jacksons" At TCA - Source: Getty

We will also see more celebrities who had a role in the singer's long music career. Kat Graham is set to play the "Queen of Motown Records," Diana Ross. Laura Harrier will star as the pioneering businesswoman, Suzanne de Passe. Kendrick Sampson will play the iconic record producer, Quincy Jones.

Larenz Tate will portray Berry Gordy, who founded Motown Records. The Top Gun: Maverick star, Miles Teller, will play Entertainment lawyer, John Branca, who served as the singer's attorney for many years.

The rest of the cast includes Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Allan Wayne Anderson as Andy Warhol, and Don Miroradoff as Robert Mapplethorpe, Ryan Smith as Mick Jagger, among others.

According to Variety, the plot synopsis for the Michael Jackson biopic reads:

“‘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 Training Day and The Equaliser director helms the film.

AFI Life Achievement Award Ceremony Honoring Francis Ford Coppola - Source: Getty

Antoine Fuqua, who has brought many shades of Denzel Washington to the big screen, directs the Michael Jackson biopic. American playwright and screenwriter John Logan, who was behind Oscar-nominated scripts like Hugo (2012), The Aviator (2005), and Gladiator (2001), has written the screenplay for the new movie.

Deadline reports that the film's initial cut was over three-and-a-half hours long. It went through a series of developmental stages, including multiple drafts from Logan, as per the input from the Estate.

Lionsgate will handle the film's distribution in the United States, while Universal Pictures will handle it overseas, except in Japan, where Kino Films will release the film, as per Deadline.