Michael (2026) is the Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, with Jaafar Jackson stepping into the shoes of the King of Pop in his acting debut. Jaafar — the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson — carries a film years in the making, tracing the singer's journey from a child star in the Jackson 5 to the biggest solo artist of all time. For a deeper look at the real story behind the film, read our full Michael Jackson biography.
Released theatrically in April 2026, Michael became a genuine box office phenomenon, crossing $1.029 billion worldwide — the first biopic in history ever to reach the billion-dollar mark. Driven by a soundtrack packed with Jackson 5 and solo-era classics, the film turned a crowded release season into a global event and rewrote the record books for music biopics.
Michael (2026) — Cast, Release Date & Director
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Screenplay: John Logan
Producers: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Studio: Lionsgate (US) / Universal (international)
Cast: Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson; nephew of Michael Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson), Juliano Valdi (child Michael), Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson), Miles Teller (John Branca), Kat Graham (Diana Ross), Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate (Berry Gordy)
Release: premiered 10 April 2026 (Berlin); theatrical 24 April 2026 (US, Lionsgate) / 22 April (UK, Universal); IMAX
Runtime: 130 minutes
Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture — Soundtrack Tracklist
The official soundtrack album, Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture, was released by Sony Music on 24 April 2026 and features 13 tracks:
- I'll Be There (Jackson 5)
- Never Can Say Goodbye (Jackson 5)
- Who's Lovin' You (Jackson 5)
- Medley: I Want You Back / ABC / The Love You Save (Live, The Jacksons)
- Ben (Live, The Jacksons)
- Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
- Beat It
- Thriller
- Billie Jean
- Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
- Human Nature
- Workin' Day and Night
- Bad
Box Office & Reception
Michael has grossed $1.029 billion worldwide, making it the first biopic ever to cross the $1B mark at the global box office. The film is now the highest-grossing biopic of all time, the highest-grossing Lionsgate film ever, and the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2026 — a landmark run for a music drama. For another of the year's big music releases, see our KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack guide.
Critical reception was mixed-to-negative: the film holds a 38% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising Jaafar Jackson's performance but calling the story "sanitized" — the allegations against Jackson were cut from the film entirely. Audiences disagreed, awarding it a 97% Verified Hot score. A sequel is currently in development.
Streaming: in the US, the film arrives on Starz from 10 August 2026, while viewers in India can watch it on JioHotstar from 29 August 2026 in English and Hindi. For more artist deep-dives, see our Madonna biography and Rihanna biography.
Watch the Official Trailer
Check out the official final trailer for Michael (2026), released by Lionsgate Movies:
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Michael (2026) released?
The film premiered in Berlin on 10 April 2026, then opened in UK cinemas on 22 April and in US cinemas on 24 April 2026 via Lionsgate, with an IMAX release.
Who plays Michael Jackson in the film?
Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson, plays the adult Michael in his acting debut. Juliano Valdi plays the young Michael.
Which songs are on the soundtrack?
The 13-track album Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture includes Jackson 5 classics like "I'll Be There" alongside solo hits such as "Billie Jean", "Thriller" and "Beat It". It was released by Sony Music on 24 April 2026.
How much did Michael (2026) earn at the box office?
The film grossed $1.029 billion worldwide, becoming the first biopic ever to cross $1B, the highest-grossing biopic of all time and Lionsgate's biggest film ever.
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