After a series of delays and speculation, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic finally has a confirmed release date. Lionsgate announced that Michael will debut globally in theaters on April 24, 2026.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon’s 27-year-old nephew, in his first major acting role. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Emancipation) and produced by Oscar winner Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the biopic aims to tell the definitive story of Jackson’s complicated life and monumental career.
The project was originally scheduled for October 3, 2025, but was postponed after reports surfaced that it might be expanded into a two-part feature. Filming wrapped in May 2024, although the script, written by Skyfall and Gladiator writer John Logan, was revised ahead of planned reshoots.
The cast includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller plays John Branca, Jackson’s longtime lawyer and advisor. Larenz Tate portrays Motown founder Berry Gordy, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, one of the few Black female executives to shape the music industry. Kat Graham appears as Diana Ross, a key figure in Jackson’s early career.
Jessica Sula plays La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone appears as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick portrays Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones plays bodyguard Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson takes on the role of legendary producer Quincy Jones.
The film will highlight key moments in Jackson’s rise, including his iconic collaboration with Quincy Jones on the albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Though Lionsgate spotlighted the biopic at its 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was revealed at this year’s event, indicating the film is still in the polishing stages.
