The King of Pop has returned to the global spotlight with the release of the long-awaited biopic, Michael, which premiered in theaters on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the film has ignited a fierce debate that transcends cinema.
While the production is being hailed as a technical masterpiece that captures Jackson’s unparalleled artistry, it has also faced sharp criticism for its selective narrative, which avoids the darker legal allegations that defined much of his later life.
What the Film Shows: The Genesis of Greatness
The narrative focus of Michael remains strictly on the evolution of the artist, tracing his journey from the rigorous childhood days of the Jackson 5 to the heights of the Thriller and Bad eras. The film concludes around 1989, effectively ending the story before the 1993 sexual abuse allegations became public knowledge.
- Family Drama: The film explores the complicated relationship between Michael and his father, Joe Jackson (played by Colman Domingo).
- Spectacle: Massive resources were poured into recreating legendary performances, with Jaafar Jackson receiving rave reviews for his uncanny physical and vocal resemblance to his uncle.
- Intimacy: With the Jackson Estate’s involvement, the film offers a high-gloss, intimate look at Michael’s creative process and his struggle for independence.
The Controversy: Reshoots and Omissions
The most contentious aspect of Michael is what it leaves out. Early drafts reportedly touched on the legal battles of the 1990s, but significant changes were made during production.
- Legal Barriers: Attorneys for the Estate reportedly discovered a clause in a 1994 settlement that barred the depiction of specific accusers, leading to reshoots rumored to cost up to $50 million.
- “Sanitized” Storytelling: Critics have labeled the film a “whitewash,” arguing that by skipping the 2005 trial and later controversies, the film presents an incomplete portrait of the man.
- The Estate’s Stance: Producers maintain that the film is intended as a celebration of Jackson’s cultural impact and musical genius, not a courtroom documentary.
Family Divided: Paris Jackson Speaks Out
While many members of the Jackson family, including Michael’s sons Prince and Bigi, have shown public support, his daughter Paris Jackson has been strikingly critical. Reports suggest Paris described the film as “sugar-coated” and “full of lies,” even claiming her notes on the script were ignored. Meanwhile, Janet Jackson was reportedly unimpressed with the acting and makeup during a private screening. In contrast, nephews Taj and TJ Jackson have defended the project, stating it finally allows the family to reclaim Michael’s narrative from the media.
Looking Ahead: Is a Part 2 on the Horizon?
The film’s focus on the “Making of an Icon” has left a massive opening for a potential sequel. Colman Domingo has hinted that a second installment could eventually address the more turbulent years of the 1990s and 2000s. For now, Michael remains a polarizing tribute—a film that captures the magic of the moonwalk while carefully navigating the minefield of its subject’s complicated history.