Come April 2026, the world will get to witness Michael Jackson’s story told like never before.
It’s been 16 years since the King of Pop Michael Jackson passed away , yet his influence remains unmatched. Thanks to efforts by Lionsgate, director Antoine Fuqua, and scriptwriter John Logan, along with producers Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain, fans across the globe are to get to relive the life, music, and magic of the man who defined and revolutionized pop culture that was MJ.
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According to the official trailer which has already shattered records to become the most-viewed music biopic trailer ever with over 116 million views within just a few days, the film traces Jackson’s evolution from a gifted young boy in Gary, Indiana, to one of the most influential entertainers the world has ever seen. It highlights his early days performing alongside his brothers in the Jackson 5, his creative drive, and the ambition that propelled him to global superstardom. The story also dives into his solo career, the 1980s megahit era that cemented his title as the King of Pop, and the legacy that continues to shape generations of artists.
Speaking of the cast, it is equally exciting. In the 1 minute 13 seconds trailer, we get to find out that in the lead is Juliano Krue Valdi who essays the role of the King of Pop (playing the role of young Micheal Jackson during his Jackson 5 days); marking his film debut. Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, steps into the shoes of the adult MJ. The trailer offers a glimpse of Jaafar’s transformation into his legendary uncle, flawlessly executing the signature dance moves, including the iconic moonwalk in a performance that has attracted early buzz with many calling his portrayal “spine-tingling” and “uncannily authentic.”
The film also stars Miles Teller as John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
MICHAEL’s impressive opening day / 24 Hour trailer record has broken the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic or concert movie ever record; making it Lionsgate’s biggest yet and also dethroning the previous record held by Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour which held the crown with 96.1 million opening-day views, with only Bob Marley: One Love coming close with 60.1M, and Bohemian Rhapsody coming quite close with 57.6M and A Complete Unknown; the Bob Dylan biopic (47.2M). MICHAEL has surpassed them all with 116.2 million views in just 24 hours.
“People have been waiting a long time for this,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson said. “I think people are stunned with Jaafar’s performance.”
All this got me thinking what if Uganda had its own biopic moments? Imagine a Mwozey Radio film. One that tells the story of one of Africa’s greatest songwriters and vocalists, whose words and melodies continue to echo long after he’s gone. Or even a Paul Kafeero biopic, capturing the wit and poetry of Kadongo Kamu’s golden era.
We’ve already seen Whitney Houston’s story brought to life in I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and now we await MICHAEL. Biopics have become a powerful way to honor artistic legacies, keeping their impact alive for new generations, just as MICHAEL is set to do.
The much-awaited biopic on the King of Pop, Michael Jackson arrives in theatres 24th April 2026. Take a look at the record breaking trailer of it below: