Michael Jackson Biopic “Michael” Sets April 2026 Release Date

Lionsgate and Universal Eye Global Thrill with Antoine Fuqua-Directed Film Starring Jaafar Jackson, with Potential for a Sequel

Hollywood is buzzing! The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled “Michael,” from Lionsgate and Universal, is now gearing up to hit theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026. This news comes after the film’s release date was shifted a few times, most recently from a fall 2025 slot.

Making his big-screen debut in the iconic lead role as the King of Pop is Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Lionsgate is handling the distribution of the film in North America, while Universal is taking charge of its global rollout, signaling the massive international interest in the project.

According to previous reports from The Hollywood Reporter, “Michael” was scheduled for 22 days of additional photography this past June. Sources revealed at the time that while the film was initially planned to cover the entirety of the pop star’s life and have a lengthy runtime, it’s now expected to conclude with Jackson leaving his family group, The Jacksons, following the release of his groundbreaking first solo album, Off the Wall, in 1979.

This retooling of the film’s narrative stems from a report by Puck in January, which indicated that the previously planned third act had to be adjusted. The reason? It included a dramatization of an individual who had accused Jackson of child sexual abuse, and there was a past settlement with Jackson’s estate that stipulated this accuser would never be dramatized.

Interestingly, sources close to THR suggest that a second film, which would focus on the remainder of Jackson’s monumental career, remains in development. Jackson certainly achieved an incredible amount in the music world after 1979, considering his 1982 masterpiece, Thriller, featuring smash singles like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean,” still holds the record as the best-selling album of all time. Jackson tragically passed away in June 2009 at the age of 50.

The cast of “Michael” boasts some impressive names, with Colman Domingo portraying the star’s father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as his mother, Katherine. Rounding out the ensemble are Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke. The film is being produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain, with a script penned by John Logan.

Early glimpses of “Michael” footage debuted at CinemaCon last year, where producer Graham King revealed that the film would feature a whopping 30 of Jackson’s songs. More recently, at this year’s CinemaCon in April, Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson teased the audience about upcoming news regarding the project, though he didn’t confirm a release date at that time. “Michael” had previously been set for an April 2025 release before being moved to October of this year.

“Ever since we debuted some early Michael footage at CinemaCon last year, it’s been crystal clear how much global interest and enthusiasm there is,” Fogelson remarked in April. “Much has happened since, and while we aren’t quite ready to share more, we’re going to have some very big and exciting things to say in the coming weeks. So be patient, and stay tuned.”