The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled simply Michael, will now release in April 24 2026, having been moved from an October 2025 release date.
Antoine Fuqua, the filmmaker behind Training Day, will direct the film, with John Logan as (Gladiator, Skyfall) serving as screenwriter. Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson, will play the star, while Oscar nominee Colman Domingo will portray his father, Joe Jackson.
The official synopsis 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 film is reported to have a $155million (£134million) budget, and news surfaced recently that studio Lionsgate was considering releasing the film in two parts.
MICHAEL – in theaters April 24, 2026. pic.twitter.com/JUd6zjfaac
— lionsgate (@Lionsgate) July 24, 2025
The film will arrive 17 years after the death of the ‘Thriller’ icon, on died on June 25 2009 aged 50. The cause of death was acute propofol intoxication. The Los Angeles County coroner ruled the death as a homicide, and Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the artist’s death.
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Years after his death, Michael Jackson remains a figure of fascination for fans around the world. BBC News recently tracked down some of the ten statues of Jackson commissioned to promote the 1995 greatest hits album ‘History’.
Last month, Paris Jackson addressed criticism that she would be performing on the anniversary of her father’s death. Posting on Instagram, she said: “One of the tour dates I’m supposed to be going out on tour with Incubus and Manchester Orchestra happens to be June 25, which is a very negative anniversary for me in my life and my family.”
She said of the show: “you don’t pick what date you perform or what time you go on stage to perform, or what city you perform in”.
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