The film based on pop sensation Michael Jackson's life and career, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is set to hit theatres this April. Ahead of its release, the film's makers revealed the list of Michael Jackson songs that feature in it. As many as 13 of his songs are part of the movie Michael. Apart from the most popular titles such as ‘Beat It,’ ‘Thriller,’ ‘Billie Jean,’ and ‘Bad,’ the songs include 'I'll Be There', 'Never Can Say Goodbye', 'Who's Lovin' You', 'Medley: I Want You Back / ABC / The Love You Save', 'Ben', 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'’, 'Human Nature', and 'Workin' Day and Night'.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his work in Training Day and the The Equalizer franchise, from a screenplay by John Logan of Gladiator and The Aviator fame. It is produced by Graham King, the Academy Award-winning producer, known for the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, alongside John Branca and John McClain.
Jaafar Jackson headlines the film in the titular role. Meanwhile, Juliano Krue Valdi plays a younger version of The King of Pop in the movie. It also stars Colman Domingo as Michael's father and manager, Joe Jackson, Nia Long as the King of Pop's mother, Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as the singer's longtime attorney and manager, John Branca, and Kendrick Sampson as legendary music producer Quincy Jones. While there have been several Michael Jackson biopics released as television movies and miniseries over the years, Michael is considered the first major, big-budget theatrical biopic sanctioned by the family estate.
It is scheduled for wide theatrical release on April 24, with early IMAX and premium large-format screenings starting a couple of days prior.