The Moonwalk has returned to the silver screen. On Friday, April 24, 2026, the highly anticipated biopic Michael, chronicling the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, officially made its global debut.
Starring MJ’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role, the film had massive shoes to fill. As the first day’s first shows concluded, X (formerly Twitter) became a battleground of opinions, with the film receiving a polarized reception from fans and critics alike.
The Jaafar Jackson Debut: “Remarkable” or “Uneven”?
For many die-hard MJ fans, the film is nothing short of a religious experience. Social media was flooded with praise for the concert-like atmosphere, especially for those viewing it in premium formats like ScreenX. One fan raved, “I felt like I was at a concert. Best biopic ever pure magic!” Many users pointed out that Jaafar Jackson successfully captured the softer, more personal side of Michael’s journey. However, the praise wasn’t universal.
Skeptics argued that Jaafar’s performance felt more like a polished “imitation” than a soul-baring portrayal, with some netizens claiming the film’s editing lacked the rhythm needed to do justice to Jackson’s life.
Supporting Cast Steals the Spotlight
While Jaafar’s performance is being debated, there is a near-unanimous consensus on the supporting cast. Colman Domingo, who plays the strict patriarch Joe Jackson, is already being hailed as a top contender for the next awards season.
One reviewer noted, “Colman Domingo’s transformative performance is the highlight; he deserves an Oscar nomination.” The film’s soundtrack and background score, featuring remastered versions of MJ’s greatest hits, were also cited as “pure magic,” providing an emotional anchor even when the narrative flow felt staggered to some viewers.
Box Office Outlook: A Steady Start in India
In India, where Michael Jackson enjoys a legendary status, the film is expected to have a respectable opening. Trade analysts predict a “decent” start, with first-day collections estimated to be around ₹2–3 crore.
While the early critic reviews were somewhat lukewarm, the mixed word-of-mouth on social media suggests that the film will rely heavily on the global MJ “Navy” and younger fans curious about the icon’s legacy. With a sequel already being teased by some viewers, the King of Pop’s story is clearly far from over.