Directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Michael was officially released in cinemas on April 24, 2026.
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States) and Universal Pictures (International).
Michael (2026) Review
Michael (2026) is a biopic about Michael Jackson’s life, music, and rise to fame.
It shows how he started as a young singer in the Jackson 5 and became a global superstar.
Jaafar Jackson gives a strong performance and captures his music and dance well.
The film includes famous songs and exciting stage moments.
However, the story feels safe and does not explore some difficult parts of his life.
It focuses more on his success than his struggles.
Overall, it is an enjoyable movie, especially for fans of his music and legacy.
CR Rating: 8/10.
Michael Actors
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
DOB: July 25, 1996.
Bio: American singer and actor, born in Los Angeles, California, and a member of the famous Jackson family.
He is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of Michael Jackson.
Before transitioning into acting, Jaafar pursued music, releasing singles such as Got Me Singing.
Role: Jaafar Jackson portrays Michael Jackson across key periods of his adult life, covering his rise from the later years of The Jackson 5 into his global superstardom during the Bad era.
The role requires him to embody Jackson’s signature voice, dance style, stage presence, and the personal pressures that came with worldwide fame.
Interesting facts: Jaafar is Jermaine Jackson’s son and Michael Jackson’s nephew, so the casting immediately became one of the film’s biggest talking points.
Notable Works: “Got Me Singing,” “Confused.”
Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson
DOB: November 28, 1969.
Bio: American actor, playwright, and director born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He trained in theatre and built a strong reputation on stage before transitioning into film and television.
Role: Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, the strict and driven patriarch of the Jackson family.
As the manager behind the rise of The Jackson 5, Joe’s discipline and ambition play a major role in shaping Michael Jackson’s early career.
Interesting facts: Colman Domingo was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2024, reflecting his growing impact across film, television, and theatre.
Notable Works: Sing Sing, Rustin, Euphoria, Fear the Walking Dead, Lincoln.
Nia Long as Katherine Scruse-Jackson
DOB: October 30, 1970.
Bio: American actress born in Brooklyn, New York.
She rose to prominence in the 1990s with standout roles in Boyz n the Hood and the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Long became a defining figure in Black cinema through films such as Love Jones, The Best Man, and Big Momma’s House.
Role: Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson family and mother of Michael Jackson.
She serves as the emotional anchor of the story, representing compassion, faith, and stability within a family navigating intense public pressure and internal challenges.
Interesting facts: Long was born in Brooklyn and has spent much of her career moving between film and television.
She has also earned multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award.
Notable Works: Boyz n the Hood, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma’s House.
Miles Teller as John Branca
DOB: February 20, 1987.
Bio: American actor born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
He trained at the Tisch School of the Arts and gained early recognition with The Spectacular Now.
Teller earned widespread critical acclaim for his performance in Whiplas.
Role: Miles Teller plays John Branca, the longtime attorney and business adviser to Michael Jackson.
In the film, Branca serves as both a legal strategist and trusted confidant, helping navigate contracts, negotiations, and the complex business side of global superstardom.
Interesting facts: Teller played multiple instruments in school, including saxophone, drums, piano, and guitar, which fits the musician-adjacent world of the film nicely.
Notable Works: Whiplash, Top Gun: Maverick, The Spectacular Now, Fantastic Four, War Dogs.
KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray
DOB: N/A.
Bio: American actor who has begun building a presence through supporting roles in television and film.
His screen credits include appearances in series such as Succession and How to Die Alone.
Role: KeiLyn Durrel Jones portrays Bill Bray, the longtime bodyguard and trusted confidant of Michael Jackson.
The character offers insight into the private life of Jackson, highlighting the loyalty and protection surrounding him during his rise to global fame.
Interesting facts: Jones has already appeared in notable television productions, indicating a steady rise within the industry.
Notable Works: How to Die Alone, Succession.
Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
DOB: March 28, 1990.
Bio: American actress and former model born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Evanston.
She began her career in modeling before transitioning into acting, gaining early attention with television work and later breaking out in film.
Role: Laura Harrier portrays Suzanne de Passe, a key creative executive at Motown and close collaborator of Berry Gordy.
In the film, she represents the industry side of Michael Jackson’s early career, helping shape the transition from the The Jackson 5 into broader success within the music business.
Interesting facts: Harrier has spoken publicly about fashion, representation, and advocacy, and she has also been a vegetarian since childhood.
Notable Works: BlacKkKlansman, Spider-Man: Homecoming, White Men Can’t Jump, Entergalactic.
Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
DOB: May 3, 1994.
Bio: Welsh actress born in Swansea, Wales.
She first gained recognition for her role in the British teen drama Skins, before transitioning into American television and film.
Role: Jessica Sula plays La Toya Jackson, the sister of Michael Jackson.
Her role helps broaden the portrayal of the Jackson family, offering another perspective on the pressures, fame, and dynamics within one of music’s most famous households.
Interesting facts: Sula started young in British TV and then moved into international film work, which makes her a flexible fit for a project that shifts between family drama and pop-culture history.
Notable Works: Skins, Recovery Road, Scream: Resurrection, Panic, Split.
Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson
DOB: N/A.
Bio: American actor, model, and creative known for his work across film and television.
He has appeared in projects such as Mindhunter and Hustle, as well as the sports documentary The Redeem Team.
Role: Jamal R. Henderson plays Jermaine Jackson, one of Michael Jackson’s older brothers and a core member of The Jackson 5.
The role places him at the heart of the family’s musical journey, highlighting the dynamics, ambition, and pressures within the group during their rise to fame.
Interesting facts: Henderson’s career spans acting, modeling, and creative production, reflecting a multi-dimensional approach to storytelling.
Notable Works: South Central Love, Hustle, The Redeem Team, Loyalty.
Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson
DOB: N/A.
Bio: An emerging American actor with a developing screen career.
His credits are still limited, but he has begun gaining attention through roles in independent and upcoming projects.
Role: Tre Horton plays Marlon Jackson, one of Michael Jackson’s older brothers and a member of The Jackson 5.
The role contributes to the film’s broader depiction of the Jackson family and their journey through fame, discipline, and musical success.
Interesting facts: Public background information is limited, which usually means the screen career is still in its early growth stage.
Notable Works: 1980, Shoebox.
Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson
DOB: N/A.
Bio: American actor and dancer who began performing at a young age.
Based in Los Angeles, he has built early experience across television and independent projects, including appearances linked to The Michael Blackson Show.
Role: Rhyan Hill plays Tito Jackson, one of Michael Jackson’s older brothers and a guitarist in The Jackson 5.
His role helps flesh out the sibling dynamic and musical foundation that defined the group’s early success.
Interesting facts: Hill’s background in both acting and dancing makes him a strong fit for a music-biopic ensemble.
Notable Works: The Michael Blackson Show, Daddy & Me.
More Actors
• Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson.
• Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff.
• Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
• Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.
FAQ – Michael (2026) Movie
What is Michael (2026) about?
It is a biographical film about Michael Jackson, covering his rise from the Jackson 5 to his global fame in the 1980s.
Is Michael (2026) based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the real life and career of Michael Jackson, though some parts are simplified or left out.
Is Michael (2026) a musical?
Yes, it is a musical biopic featuring many of Michael Jackson’s iconic songs and performances.
What songs are featured in the film?
The movie includes songs from the Jackson 5 and albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
Is Michael (2026) approved by the Jackson family?
Yes, members of the Jackson family were involved in aspects of production, and Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, plays the lead role.
How long is the movie?
The runtime is about 128 minutes (2 hours, 8 minutes).
Where can I watch Michael (2026)?
Michael (2026) is currently available only in cinemas worldwide.
Conclusion
Michael (2026) is an entertaining and visually strong tribute to Michael Jackson.
It captures his music, talent, and rise to fame in an engaging way.
While the film feels safe and avoids deeper issues, it still delivers solid performances and memorable moments.
Overall, it is a good watch for fans who want to celebrate his legacy.