The first engaging teaser for the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, offers a glimpse of the superstar’s rise, set to the beat of his iconic 1983 hits “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.”
November 7, 2025: The first intense and engaging teaser for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has been released, providing a brief but compelling look at the life and career of the King of Pop. The film, which is set for release in April next year, features Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role.
Teaser Captures the Icon’s Ascent
The teaser immediately immerses viewers in the atmosphere of Jackson’s creative process.
The Scene: The clip opens with Jackson inside a studio, recording a song, before quickly cutting to a massive, packed stadium, highlighting his immense global reach.
Iconic Moments: It includes close-up shots of Jackson’s iconic finger-snap hand movement and flashes sticky notes on a board bearing the names of his seminal hits: “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.”
Both songs, released in 1983, were transformative for Jackson’s career. “Beat It” was crucial for blending pop, rock, and R&B, featuring Eddie Van Halen’s blazing guitar solo, and successfully bridging racial and genre divides. “Billie Jean” is widely considered the defining song that cemented his status as a musical legend.
The trailer climaxes with scenes of the high-energy concerts that defined his global impact, including the common sight of fans fainting in the packed arenas.
The teaser ends with a studio operator’s playful warning to Jackson, referencing his iconic move: “Can you light the lights for me please?… But remember my man, in here keep those feets still,” hinting at the birth of the legendary Moonwalk step.
Star-Studded Cast Details
The biopic, which will explore Jackson’s life and cultural force, boasts a strong supporting cast portraying figures central to his life and career:
- Jackson Family: Colman Domingo and Nia Long star as the family patriarch and matriarch, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Jessica Sula will portray his older sister, La Toya Jackson.
- Industry Icons: The film features several music legends, including Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Kendrick Sampson as producer Quincy Jones.
- Other Key Figures: Miles Teller will play Jackson’s attorney and advisor John Branca, and Laura Harrier will portray pioneering female music executive Suzanne de Passe.
With the film set to hit theatres next spring, the teaser has successfully intensified the anticipation for this deep dive into the life of the King of Pop.