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Lionsgate has unveiled the first behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael, offering fans an early glimpse into one of the year’s most anticipated music films.
With the theatrical release expected in the coming months, the studio has begun ramping up marketing efforts to build excitement around the project.
The newly released video features Jaafar Jackson, who is set to portray his late uncle, Michael Jackson. The exclusive footage highlights Jackson’s preparation for the role, including rehearsal sequences that showcase him learning and refining some of the legendary dance moves associated with the King of Pop. The preview emphasizes the production’s focus on authenticity as it attempts to recreate the artistry that defined Michael Jackson’s global career.
In the clip, Jaafar Jackson reflects on his experience working on the film, saying he has “felt that love for Michael every day on set” from both the cast and crew. His casting has drawn significant attention due to his familial connection to the pop icon, with many fans eager to see how the biopic will capture Jackson’s life and legacy.
Michael is expected to chronicle key moments from the singer’s journey, exploring his rise to superstardom and the cultural impact that made him one of the most influential entertainers in music history. While Lionsgate has yet to release a full trailer alongside this featurette, the behind-the-scenes footage signals that promotional activity is accelerating as the premiere approaches.
As anticipation continues to grow, the film is already generating conversation among fans and industry watchers alike, positioning Michael as a major biographical release on the 2026 film calendar.
Development began in November 2019, when it was reported that producer Graham King had secured the rights to produce a film about Michael Jackson, with Logan attached to write the screenplay. Lionsgate announced the film in February 2022. Fuqua was announced as the director in January 2023, and casting began that month when Jaafar was cast; further casting took place from January to April 2024. Filming began in January 2024, after being delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and ended that May. Additional photography took place in June 2025. Michael is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, by Lionsgate in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally.
In November 2019, Deadline Hollywood reported that Graham King had secured the rights to produce a film about Michael Jackson, with John Logan responsible for writing the screenplay, but it was still “not set up at a studio at this point”.
In February 2022, the film was announced with Lionsgate Films as the studio owning the global distribution rights. In October 2023, Lionsgate announced that Universal Pictures International would handle the international distribution. In July 2024, Deadline reported that Tokyo-based Kino Films had struck a deal with Lionsgate and GK Films to distribute the film in Japan. The last theatrical film about Michael, Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009), had been distributed by Columbia Pictures, which was a sister company to Michael’s record label, Sony Music, although they are not involved with this film.
In January 2023, it was announced that Antoine Fuqua would be the director. Casting began that month, with casting director Kimberly Hardin, and Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson was announced to play Michael.
In January 2024, the newcomer Juliano Krue Valdi was cast as a young Michael, with Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. In February, Miles Teller was confirmed to play John Branca. The cast for the rest of the Jackson 5 was announced later that month.
