KEY POINTS
- Movie launched on April 24 with early night shows on April 23, available in IMAX 2D, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, MX4D, ICE, and ScreenX for an immersive experience.
- Musical biopic traces Jackson’s journey from the Jackson 5 to global superstardom but controversially concludes in the mid-1980s, omitting later periods of his life.
- Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score stands at just 26% from 42 reviews, while fans continue to celebrate Jaafar’s performance.
- Jaafar Jackson steps into his uncle’s shoes as the film sparks debate over its selective storytelling and dazzling musical recreations
LOS ANGELES, USA: Anticipation and criticism are running head-to-head as the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic Michael arrives in cinemas worldwide on April 24, 2026.
Micheal Jackson fans are going WILD in the theaters. 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ALSKJB1pKD
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) April 23, 2026
While fans have packed early shows across USA, Europe, Asia and beyond, dressed as the King of Pop and dancing to his classics, critics have panned the film for avoiding controversy and lacking emotional depth.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, the film has become a classic case of audience love versus reviewer scorn, even before its official opening weekend is complete.
Michael Jackson’s biopic is so much better than what the critics are saying about it, easily 4/5 stars
Whether you’re a fan or not, the film peels the mask behind the superstar and shows you the human behind it pic.twitter.com/zHMXl1b4aa
— CoveredGeekly (@CoveredGeekly) April 23, 2026
Plot and what the film covers
Michael is a musical biopic that highlights Michael Jackson’s extraordinary career, his iconic albums, groundbreaking performances, and signature choreography.
The film also touches on his personal struggles and complex relationships. With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, it aims to serve as a tribute to his artistic legacy and cultural influence.
However, critics have pointed out that the narrative ends in the mid-1980s, avoiding later controversies and removing dramatic tension.
Cast and characters
The film features a strong ensemble cast portraying key figures from Michael Jackson’s life:
- Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
- Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as John Branca
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
The film is produced by Graham King along with John Branca and John McClain, with a screenplay by John Logan. The budget is reported to be between $75 million and $90 million.
Lionsgate premiered its Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ in Hollywood, hosting a red-carpet event spanning the Dolby Theatre and the TCL Chinese Theatre. The film stars Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who was 12 when his uncle died in 2009. pic.twitter.com/WGa7ZP0oQ8
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 23, 2026
Early reviews: Critics divided, fans enthusiastic
Following its global premiere in Berlin on April 10 and a Los Angeles screening, early reactions have been mixed.
Critics have largely panned the film:
- BBC critic Nicholas Barber called it “a saccharine, barely competent daytime TV movie”
- Rolling Stone noted that recreations of Jackson’s performances fail to capture the originality of his work
- Critics described the dialogue as lacking nuance and supporting roles (including Colman Domingo and Nia Long) as underdeveloped
- Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal has been described as relying on physical resemblance rather than emotional depth
On the other hand:
Fans have been celebrating the film by dressing up in Michael Jackson’s iconic outfits, military-style jackets, sparkling gloves, and the signature moonwalk attire. Audiences have been recreating dance moves like the moonwalk in theatre aisles, and many have praised Jaafar Jackson for capturing the essence and style of his legendary uncle.
Robot Boii dressed like Michael Jackson at the premiere of Michael (The Movie). pic.twitter.com/xZddO3ZMXp
— The Hype Channel (@TheHypeChannel_) April 17, 2026
Despite a 26% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, fan anticipation remains strong, especially in international markets like India. Whether the film’s commercial prospects will match its pre-release buzz, or suffer from the poor critical reception, remains to be seen as opening weekend numbers come in.
