The official trailer for MICHAEL, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, just dropped — and it looks absolutely incredible.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), the film stars Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s real-life nephew — as the King of Pop himself. The casting choice is inspired: Jaafar has long been known for his striking resemblance to his uncle, and from what the trailer shows, he’s channeling Michael’s presence, movement, and spirit in a way that feels deeply authentic.
What We Know
- Release date: April 24, 2026 (in cinemas and IMAX)
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Cast: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, Miles Teller, and more
- Distribution: Lionsgate (United States), Universal Pictures (international), Kino Films (Japan)
The film promises to tell Michael Jackson’s story from his early days with the Jackson 5 through his rise as the biggest pop star the world has ever seen. The trailer gives us glimpses of iconic moments — the music, the performances, the fame, and the personal struggles behind the legend.
Why This Matters to Us
With Universal Pictures handling international distribution, this film is a reminder that the Universal brand extends far beyond theme parks. Universal’s entertainment empire — from Epic Universe to blockbuster films — continues to expand, and a movie of this magnitude only strengthens the brand’s cultural presence worldwide.
For theme park fans, it’s also worth noting that Michael Jackson has a long history with the parks world. Captain EO, the legendary 3D film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Jackson, ran at Disney parks for years and remains one of the most fondly remembered park attractions of all time.
Watch the Trailer
The official trailer was shared by Universal Pictures on Instagram. If you’re a Michael Jackson fan, this one is going to give you chills.
MICHAEL hits theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026.
