First Look: Jaafar Jackson Stars as Michael Jackson in New Biopic Trailer

Michael Jackson fans are finally getting a first look at the upcoming biopic about the King of Pop. A teaser trailer for the film, titled Michael, was released today.

The trailer features Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine, stepping into the legendary singer’s shoes, performing both his vocals and his iconic dance moves.

MICHAEL – in theaters April 24, 2026. pic.twitter.com/xd5Mj0c8yr

— Michael (@michaelmovie) November 6, 2025

The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It stars Jaafar Jackson in his first major film role, with Colman Domingo playing Michael’s father and manager Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine, and Kat Graham as Motown star Diana Ross. Miles Teller takes on the role of Michael’s lawyer and manager John Branca, while Juliano Krue Valdi portrays a young Michael.

In the trailer, Jaafar can be seen wearing Michael’s signature costumes and wide-brimmed hats while performing on stage. According to the film’s synopsis, the movie showcases “both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career,” giving audiences “a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.” The biopic is produced by Graham King, who also produced the award-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody about Freddie Mercury.

Colman Domingo, who received an Oscar nomination for Rustin, told PEOPLE earlier this year that he was “having a good time” filming the project.

The film covers Michael Jackson’s life and career, starting from his time with the Jackson 5 in the late 1960s up until his death in 2009. The cast also includes Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran, among many others.

Development for the biopic began in November 2019, with Lionsgate officially announcing the project in February 2022. Antoine Fuqua was brought on as director in January 2023, the same month Jaafar Jackson was cast as Michael.

Filming ran from January to May 2024, with additional photography in June. The release date is set for April 24, 2026, in the United States, with Universal Pictures handling the international release.

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