‘Michael’ trailer gives first look at Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua’s biopic

The first trailer for Antoine Fuqua’s Michael offers a glimpse of Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, the King of Pop

Lionsgate has unveiled the first trailer for Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s highly anticipated biopic about the life and legacy of Michael Jackson, with the late icon’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the spotlight to portray his uncle.

The trailer, which will screen in theaters ahead of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, begins with Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson) telling Jackson in the studio, “I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top.”

From there, the teaser flashes through key moments from Jackson’s childhood to his record-breaking performances, all set to the rhythm of his 1982 hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”

Alongside Jaafar Jackson, the cast includes Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.

Michael is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, following production delays and reshoots after wrapping in May 2024.

While early rumors suggested it might be split into two parts, the trailer suggests a single sweeping narrative tracing Jackson’s rise to global stardom.

According to the official synopsis, 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’s screenplay is written by John Logan, with Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain producing. David B. Householter serves as executive producer.