US Edition'Michael' Is a Troublingly Untroubled Biopic of the Late King of Pop
The film reworks Jackson’s story into a celebratory origin tale, cutting abuse allegations and ending with his 1988 London concert.
- On Friday, April 24, 2026, the biopic 'Michael' arrives in theaters, directed by Antoine Fuqua and chronicling Michael Jackson's early rise from childhood Motown stardom through his 1988 London concert.
- Producer Graham King helms the project with Jackson family involvement, while estate lawyer John Branca secured the star's legacy by transforming it into a commercial enterprise through ventures like a Cirque Du Soleil show.
- Jaafar Jackson, the singer's nephew, portrays the lead, while Colman Domingo plays patriarch Joe Jackson. Cinematographer Dion Beebe recreated the 60s, 70s, and 80s, featuring remastered hits like 'Billie Jean' and 'Thriller.'
- Following multi-million dollar reshoots, filmmakers removed scenes involving accusers, creating an origin tale that sidesteps the tabloid feeding frenzy beginning in 1993 and the 2019 documentary 'Leaving Neverland.'
- The film concludes with the promise 'His Story Continues,' positioning itself as a celebration of Jackson's musical legacy and likely resonating with fans who cherish the music regardless of ongoing public debate.
20 Articles
20 Articles
The pop king's 'biopic' recalls why Jackson is one of the most important artists in history, but leaves out a key dimension to understand the character's fracture.More information: Michael Jackson's controversial biopic arrives: will it be the whitening of an uncomfortable myth?
In a new biographical film about Michael Jackson, partly financed by his heirs and starring Jackson's nephew, the allegations of child abuse have been dropped.
Antoine Fuqua's new biopic shows the "King of Pop" as a mistreated prodigy and as a superstar. But exactly where the story would have to lead to the abyss, the film fades off. Can you get away with it?
‘Michael’ Review: Embattled Michael Jackson Biopic Is Glossy, Sanitized, and Surprisingly Dull
There are only two ways of looking at Michael Jackson in Antoine Fuqua’s predictably sanitized and surprisingly tedious biopic “Michael”: with pity or adoration. Sometimes, both! But always at least one, as the film alights on either screaming, tear-filled fans (“MI-CHAEL! MI-CHAEL!”) or quietly devastated family and friends (“Oh, Michael“). Of course, that “Michael” skirts around the controversies, legal troubles, and horrifying allegations tha…
Don't expect bizarre stories about life at Neverland or about child abuse. The film ‘Michael’ is only about the unhappy but successful first half of the pop star’s life.
‘Michael’ Review: Antoine Fuqua’s Fan-Friendly, Family-Sanctioned Michael Jackson Bio-Drama Is Sanitized but More Soulful Than You Might Expect
Jaafar Jackson plays Michael Jackson at the peak of his success in Antoine Fuqua's bio-drama 'Michael,' also starring Colman Domingo and Nia Long.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources lean Right
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