The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson, will now hit theaters and IMAX worldwide on April 24, featuring an all-star cast.
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has been bumped up to open worldwide on April 24, after originally being slated for an October release.
In the U.S., Lionsgate will handle distribution, while Universal Pictures takes the reins in all other territories—except Japan, where Kino Films holds the rights.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by screenwriter John Logan, Michael offers an intimate portrayal of how the late pop icon transformed from a talented youngster into the “King of Pop.” Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s own nephew—steps into the lead role, supported by an ensemble cast that brings key figures from Jackson’s life to the screen.
Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, grounding the story in the family dynamics that shaped him.
Miles Teller appears as John Branca, Jackson’s longtime attorney and advisor; Larenz Tate embodies Motown founder Berry Gordy; and Laura Harrier takes on the role of music executive Suzanne de Passe. Kat Graham pops up as Diana Ross, while Jessica Sula, Liv Symone, Kevin Shinick, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, and Kendrick Sampson round out the cast as La Toya Jackson, Gladys Knight, Dick Clark, Bill Bray, and Quincy Jones, respectively.
Despite wrapping principal photography in May 2024, the film underwent extensive reshoots and editing to refine its narrative.
Early on, there was even talk of splitting the story into two parts, but the decision was ultimately made to present it as a single feature. With a reported production budget of $155 million, producers—including Oscar-winner Graham King (The Departed)—have aimed to capture the scale and spectacle befitting Michael Jackson’s larger-than-life legacy.
Back in May, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer hinted that the film might be pushed into 2026, reflecting the challenges of assembling the final cut.
Yet with its new April date locked in, Michael is now poised to hit both standard theaters and IMAX screens, promising fans an immersive dive into the highs and lows of Jackson’s career—and a closer look at the man behind the music.
