After facing multiple reschedules and extensive reworking, Michael, the highly anticipated biopic on music icon Michael Jackson, is now set to release globally on April 24, 2026, in both standard formats and IMAX.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, the film will see Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the shoes of the King of Pop.
Originally slated for an April 2025 release, Michael was later shifted to October of the same year before finally settling on its current date. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer had previously indicated the possibility of a 2026 release. The delays stemmed from several factors, including the film’s initial runtime of over three-and-a-half hours and the need for significant reshoots.
According to reports, one key reason for the delay involved content revisions surrounding a controversial figure from Jackson’s past, Jordan Chandler, the teenager who accused the singer of sexual abuse in 1993. Although the film’s screenplay had originally included references to Chandler with approval from the Jackson estate, production had to be reworked after it was revealed that an agreement existed to exclude him from the final version.
The biopic’s synopsis describes it as “an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known,” chronicling Jackson’s rise from child star to global phenomenon.
The supporting cast is equally star-studded, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long playing Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson; Miles Teller appearing as John Branca, the singer’s long-time advisor and attorney; Larenz Tate portraying Motown legend Berry Gordy; Laura Harrier playing music executive Suzanne de Passe; and Kat Graham appearing as Diana Ross.
Additional cast includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as long-time friend and former security head, Bill Bray.
Produced by Oscar-winner Graham King, best known for Bohemian Rhapsody, Michael carries a reported $155 million budget. King’s last musical biopic grossed over $910 million globally and won four Academy Awards, setting high expectations for this upcoming portrayal.
