michael jackson biography film

Memorial Day sales blowout: Save up to 65% off Stanley, Baublebar, Cuisinart and more

• TODAY Plaza
• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show

Michael Jackson’s nephew looks just like the King of Pop in first photo from biopic

Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson is the spitting image of his late uncle.

On Feb. 13, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International shared a first-look photo of Jaafar Jackson dressed as the iconic singer in the upcoming biopic “Michael."

In the picture, Jaafar Jackson channeled his late uncle by rocking a white V-neck shirt, a pair of black pants and a ponytail, which was a signature style of the "Man in the Mirror" singer.

According to Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, Jaafar Jackson was recreating one of Michael Jackson's performance looks from his legendary 1992-'93 "Dangerous" tour.

Once the snap circulated online, fans were quick to react to how they felt about Jaafar Jackson being cast in the role.

"He look like MJ :)," one person commented on X.

Another said , "Woa I had to do a double take."

A third added , "Crazy how much they look alike."

A fourth joked , "Was he resurrected?"

The first-look photo was captured by photographer Kevin Mazur, who is one of the many photographers who documented Michael Jackson over the years.

"Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything — he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime — this is how it was," Mazur said in a press release.

Producer Graham King echoed the same sentiment. He said, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.” 

Read on to learn more about Michael Jackson's new biopic "Michael."

What is Michael Jackson's new biopic 'Michael' about?

"Michael" will tell the story of the late King of Pop.

"The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances," according to a statement from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International. "As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known."

When is Michael Jackson's new biopic 'Michael' coming out?

"Michael" is set to be released in theaters worldwide on April 18, 2025. The film is currently in production.

Who is cast in the film?

A few actors have already been announced for "Michael."

Alongside Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo is set to play Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long will take on the role of Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson.

Miles Teller is also set to star in the film and play the singer's manager John Branca.

“We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project — hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything — and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film," said "Michael" director Antoine Fuqua in a statement.

"Most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael," he continued. "It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.” 

• Entertainment

Michael Jackson's Nephew Tapped to Portray Him in Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic

With the explosion of celebrity biopics in recent years — " Elvis ," about rock legend Elvis Presley, "Bohemian Rhapsody" about Queen singer Freddie Mercury, and " Rocketman " about icon Elton John, to name a few — it was due time for Jackson's simultaneously fascinating and tumultuous personal and professional life to be highlighted in a feature film. Well, it's happening. The King of Pop is coming to a movie theater near you soon, and we finally know who's portraying him: his nephew, Jaafar Jackson.

It was announced on Jan. 18 via Deadline that the late Michael Jackson's story will be told in a new Lionsgate biopic directed by the acclaimed Antoine Fuqua and coproduced by " Bohemian Rhapsody " producer Graham King. On Jan. 30, Fuqua revealed Jaafar's casting in an Instagram post that included a photo of him dressed like his late uncle. He captioned it, "Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon."

Jaafar seems like the best candidate for the gig as his singing voice closely resembles his uncle's — just check out his music video posted on YouTube.

As for Jackson's biopic, it'll follow after previous renditions about his life — including the 1992 TV movie "The Jacksons: An American Dream" and 2004's "Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story." Jackson, born in 1958 in Indiana, rose to fame as a child star along with his brothers as part of The Jackson 5. The musical genius went on to win 13 Grammys over his lifetime, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, and was dubbed "The King of Pop" after embarking on a solo career and releasing hits like "Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Beat It," and "Smooth Criminal."

While Jackson's career was undoubtedly impressive, his life was complex and shrouded in controversy in his later years. Between accusations of child sexual abuse and his tragic death at age 50, Jackson has made headlines for more than just his musical talent. Now, that full life story will be detailed in the upcoming biopic about his life.

Read on for all the details we have about the film so far.

Michael Jackson Biopic Title

While there are many celebrities with the first name Michael, there's perhaps none more recognizable and timeless than Michael Jackson, which is why his biopic is moving forward with the fitting title, "Michael."

"Michael" Plot

According to The Hollywood Reporter , "Michael" will cover everything from Jackson's child stardom in The Jackson 5 to his impactful musical career as an adult, but will also fairly address the accusations of child sexual abuse he faced late in his life. Although the exact plot hasn't been confirmed, it's also expected for the film to touch on the pop star's tragic 2009 death.

"Michael" Biopic Director, Producers, and Screenwriter

Per Deadline , "Micheal" will be directed by Fuqua, who most notably worked on "Emancipation" with Will Smith , "The Equalizer" franchise starring Denzel Washington , and the critically acclaimed "Training Day."

"For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson," Fuqua shared about the subject of "Michael" (via Variety ). "I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible."

King, who most recently worked on the Freddie Mercury biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," will co-produce "Michael" alongside John Branca and John McClain, who were both involved in Jackson's life in different capacities. While Branca, an entertainment lawyer, was part of Jackson's management team and instrumental in producing the "Thriller" short film, McClain is a music executive who's been associated with acts like Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Janet Jackson.

The film's script will be penned by John Logan, who famously worked on "Gladiator" and the hit James Bond films "Skyfall" and "Spectre" featuring Daniel Craig .

"Michael" Biopic Release Date

No details about "Michael"'s release date or filming locations have been shared at this time. Production, however, is reportedly set to kick off later this year , accommodating Fuqua's schedule as he's currently working on "The Equalizer 3" in Italy.

• Michael Jackson
• Casting News

Michael: release date, cast, first look and everything we know about the Michael Jackson biopic

Michael Jackson is the latest music icon to get the biopic treatment.

The King of Pop is coming to the big screen, as Michael Jackson is the subject of the upcoming biopic simply titled Michael . This is the latest entry of the music biopic genre that in recent years has included Bob Marley: One Love and Elvis .

Michael features a number of Hollywood veterans helping to bring Jackson's legacy — reportedly including some of its more complicated facets — to life on screen, including Antoine Fuqua as the director, Oscar-nominee John Logan as the writer and Oscar-winner Graham King producing. But to play Michael Jackson, the filmmakers have turned to a new face, but one with a connection to the famous singer.

Find out more about that and other key details for the movie below as we go over everything that you need to know about Michael .

Michael release date

A worldwide premiere date of April 18, 2025, has already been set for Michael .

The movie is currently in production, but even though it is more than a year away, it immediately becomes one of the more anticipated upcoming movies on the calendar.

Michael cast

Playing Michael Jackson in the biopic is Jafaar Jackson, the singer's nephew. Jackson is a singer, songwriter and entertainer, but he is making his acting debut playing his uncle. "With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael," said producer Graham King. "He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could."

Young actor Juliano Krue Valdi is going to play the younger version of Michael.

The rest of the Jackson 5, the iconic family group where Michael Jackson first broke out, will see Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson play the younger and older versions of Jermaine Jackson; Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson; Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson; and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson. 

The rest of the cast for Michael brings plenty of experience. Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo ( Rustin ) plays Joe Jackson, Michael's father, Nia Long ( Missing ) plays his mother Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller ( Top Gun: Maverick ) is playing Michael Jackson's lawyer John Branca.

Michael plot

Here is the official synopsis for Michael from Lionsgate:

" Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known."

Michael trailer

There is no trailer for Michael at this time. When one becomes available, we'll add it here. 

Michael first look

While there’s no trailer, a first-look image of Jafaar Jackson as Michael Jackson has been shared, depicting him as his late-uncle on the 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour.

The photo was taken by Kevin Mazur, who documented Michael Jackson throughout his career, including rehearsals of Jackson's This Is It concerts.

"When I walked onto the set, I felt like I'd gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour," said Mazur in a Lionsgate press release. "Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, 'Wow, it is Michael.' The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything — he's Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn't have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime — this is how it was."

Antoine Fuqua movies

Antoine Fuqua directs Michael , and while this is his first biopic, he is familiar with telling the story of an iconic real-life figure, having directed the documentary What's My Name: Muhammad Ali . Check out Fuqua's full list of credits right here:

• Bait (2000)
• Training Day (2001)
• Tears of the Sun (2003)
• Lightning in a Bottle (2004)
• King Arthur (2004)
• Shooter (2007)
• Brooklyn's Finest (2009)
• Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
• The Equalizer (2014)
• Southpaw (2015)
• The Magnificent Seven (2016)
• The Equalizer 2 (2018)
• What's My Name: Muhammad Ali (2019)
• Infinite (2021)
• The Guilty (2021)
• Emancipation (2022)
• The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Get the What to Watch Newsletter

The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more!

Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca , Moulin Rouge! , Silence of the Lambs , Children of Men , One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars . On the TV side he enjoys Only Murders in the Building, Yellowstone, The Boys, Game of Thrones and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd .

My Old Ass: release date, cast, plot and everything we know about the Aubrey Plaza movie

Big Sky River: The Bridal Path — release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Hallmark Channel movie

The Conners season 7: everything we know about the final season of the sitcom

Most Popular

• 2 Chicago Fire season 13: everything we know about the new season
• 3 Abbott Elementary season 4: everything we know about the comedy series
• 4 What were the Jeopardy! Masters Final Jeopardy clues, May 22?
• 5 Chicago Med season 10: everything we know about the new season

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

See Michael Jackson biopic cast and the real people they're playing: Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy

Director Antoine Fuqua's "Michael" will be led by Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late King of Pop.

Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine , The Hollywood Reporter , and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight , is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen.

Antoine Fuqua wants to be startin' something.

The director is assembling an ensemble cast for his upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael . The film will follow the life and career of the late King of Pop, from his early days as a member of family group the Jackson 5 through to his successes as a solo artist. Michael will trace Jackson's triumphs and tragedies as it examines both his personal struggles and his most iconic performances.

Fuqua ( Training Day ) will direct from a script by John Logan ( Skyfall , Gladiator ). The movie is currently in production, with Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International slated to release it on April 18, 2025.

Included in the film are Jackson family members, plus major players in Michael's career like Berry Gordy , Diana Ross , Quincy Jones , and more.

Let's take a look at the cast and their real-life counterparts.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson

When you're dealing with the Jackson clan, it has to be a family affair. Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop's nephew, will portray the music legend, marking his first major role in a feature film. "It's uncanny how much he's like Michael," Fuqua told EW . "Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It's really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away." If you don't believe him, just take a look at the picture.

Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael

Glen Wilson; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Michael will cover the entire span of Jackson's life from his days as a child star up to his untimely death at 50 . But finding someone to embody the preternaturally talented young Michael is a tall order. Fuqua found his boy in 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi, who has been sharing videos of himself dancing to Jackson's music for the last five years and amassed over 150,000 Instagram followers in the process.

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson

Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images; David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

Fresh off his Oscar nomination for Rustin, Colman Domingo is booked and busy, including as the notorious Jackson patriarch. Joe Jackson has long remained a controversial figure thanks to his reputation as a hard-driving, singularly focused man. "Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex, and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front-row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation," Domingo reflected when the news was announced . Perhaps his second Oscar nomination is on the horizon?

Nia Long as Katherine Jackson

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images; Alain BENAINOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Jackson found his greatest champion in his mother, Katherine Jackson, who will be portrayed by Nia Long ( Boyz N the Hood , Love Jones ). "Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family," Long said in a statement. "As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson's story with audiences everywhere.”

Miles Teller as John Branca

Roy Rochlin/WireImage; Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

There's Michael Jackson's biological family, and then there's John Branca — the unyielding attorney who was at Jackson's side for more than three decades. Branca was instrumental in helping to usher Jackson from a fresh-faced boy-bander to a solo artist dubbed the King of Pop. Miles Teller is no stranger to playing behind-the-scenes figures in biopics, having portrayed The Godfather producer Albert S. Ruddy in The Offer . Now he'll embody one of the most enduring figures in Jackson's life. "Miles' finely tuned skills as an actor are up to the challenge of playing a man who is being examined for the pivotal role he played in Michael Jackson's life," Fuqua said in a statement. As one of the co-executors of Jackson's estate, Branca is serving as a producer on the film.

Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson

Courtesy Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty 

When you come up in the family business, it's going to take a village to bring your story to life. That's the case with Michael Jackson, who first rose to fame as the youngest, most precocious member of the Motown group, the Jackson 5. To make his biopic, you need to feature his brothers and bandmates.

Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson will share the role of Jermaine Jackson, with Harville as the younger version and Henderson as the older. Harville will be making his film debut, while Henderson previously appeared in Mindhunter.

Jermaine Jackson stayed with the Jacksons (renamed when other family members departed) through all of their breakups and reunions. His career has mostly focused on music producing and appearing on reality television.

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson

“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said producer Graham King in a statement. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.”

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will share the role of Marlon Jackson. Hunter has worked previously on Broadway, playing Young Simba in The Lion King. He's already played Marlon, in the national tour of MJ: The Musical. Horton has predominantly worked in short films and regional theater.

After his time with the Jackson 5, Marlon had a brief solo music career, before pivoting to real estate and philanthropy.

Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson

Tito Jackson has remained one of the most consistent members of the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons. He's also led a steady career as a blues musician since 2003.

Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill will share the role of the third Jackson brother. Edwards has been seen on Saint X, while Hill is best known for his role on The Michael Blackson Show on BET+ and his featured performance in the music video for "This Is America" by Childish Gambino.

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson

Taking on the role of the eldest Jackson brother will be Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones.

McIntyre is a series regular on OWN's David Makes Man, as well as the star of Disney+ movie Magic Camp. David-Jones is best known as Connor Hawke on the CW's Arrow.

Jackie Jackson enjoyed an expanded role as a vocalist in the Jacksons following Michael's departure. He also had a brief solo career and has founded two record companies.

Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy

Jason Mendez/Getty; Ebet Roberts/Redferns

Without Berry Gordy, there is no Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson. The iconic founder of Motown Records changed music forever by giving a platform to Black artists, including the Supremes, the Temptations, and more. Larenz Tate will play the famous music mogul. Tate recently appeared on Starz's Power and the show's various spinoffs, but slightly older audiences will know him as the hunky heartthrob at the center of Love Jones.

Kat Graham as Diana Ross

JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty; Paul Natkin/Getty 

As the leader of The Supremes and a solo artist in her own right, Diana Ross is a music icon. So much so that Motown selected Ross to introduce the Jackson 5 to the world, launching the careers of Michael and his brothers. The Vampire Diaries star Kat Graham will play the legendary performer. Graham is a recording artist, whose fourth studio album, Long Hot Summer, recently dropped. She also starred in Netflix rom-com Love in the Villa.

Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson

Theo Wargo/Getty; Images Press/IMAGES/Getty

The Jackson family adds another member. Jessica Sula joins the cast as middle daughter and fifth child of the Jackson clan, La Toya Jackson . Though not a part of their earliest musical efforts, La Toya rose to prominence as part of the family's variety television show, The Jacksons. La Toya launched her own solo career in the 1980s. In addition to leading Netflix's Godless, Sula starred opposite Anya Taylor-Joy in M. Night Shyamalan's Split .

Liv Symone as Gladys Knight

Patrick Marcigliano; RB/Redferns

There's more Motown where Diana Ross and Berry Gordy come from. Liv Symone will portray hit machine Gladys Knight, who was backed up by her family as well (known professionally as the Pips). Knight scored several number one hits for Motown, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia." Symone is best known to audiences for recurring on Starz's Power Book III: Raising Kanan.

Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark

Albert L. Ortega/Getty; Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty

Besides Berry Gordy, few people had as much influence on American music in the 1950s and '60s as Dick Clark . His American Bandstand introduced countless bands to the American public, including the Jackson 5, who made a legendary appearance on the show in the early part of their career. Kevin Shinick, who will portray Clark, is a multi-hyphenate writer, actor, and producer, working most notably on Cartoon Network's Robot Chicken.

Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Bonnie Schiffman/Getty

If Berry Gordy defined Motown in the '50s and '60s, it was Quincy Jones who was responsible for the sound of the 1970s and '80s. The legendary producer (and songwriter/composter) first met Michael Jackson when the pop star was only 12 years old. Jones collaborated with Jackson on three of his most successful albums: Thriller, Bad, and Off the Wall. Kendrick Sampson , who had notable stints on Insecure and How to Get Away With Murder, will portray Jones.

KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray

Kiirstn Pagan

Isolated by his fame, Michael Jackson struggled to make close friends — but one of his lifelong confidantes was Bill Bray. Bray was originally hired by Joe Jackson as security for the Jackson 5 in the 1970s, but he went on to form a lasting bond with Michael. KeiLyn Durrel Jones, who recurred on the final season of The Other Two, will bring Bray to life on screen.

Want more movie news? Sign up for  Entertainment Weekly 's free newsletter  to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:

• Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic
• Leaving Neverland  director condemns upcoming Michael Jackson biopic
• Remembering Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson's turbulent 2-year marriage

Related Articles

'Michael': Release Date, Cast, Filming, and Everything We Know About the Michael Jackson Biopic

The King of Pop himself is getting the biopic treatment.

Quick Links

Does 'michael' have a release date, will 'michael' receive a theatrical release, is there a trailer for 'michael', what will 'michael' be about, who will star in 'michael', who is making 'michael', is 'michael' filming.

Arguably one of, if not the biggest name in music history is Michael Jackson . He's the third best-selling music artist of all time and his 1982 album Thriller still holds the record for the best-selling album of all time. In the wake of successful musician biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody , Elvis , Rocketman , and Straight Outta Compton ; it seemed inevitable that the King of Pop would get a biographical movie of his own.

In late 2019, just over a decade after the death of Jackson, it was announced that a biopic was in the works by Graham King , the Academy Award-nominated producer of Bohemian Rhapsody . While the COVID-19 pandemic put a standstill on the project, things have finally picked back up. With a star in place, a release date set, and an esteemed director at the helm, here is everything we know about the Michael Jackson biopic; Michael .

Editor's Note: This piece was updated on April 21, 2024.

Michael (2025)

Yes, Michael is scheduled to premiere on April 18, 2025 , which is Easter weekend. As of right now, Michael will be the only movie opening on that date, as Universal had previously removed the horror sequel The Exorcist: Deceiver from that weekend slot.

Yes, as expected, Michael will receive an exclusive theatrical release. Once the theatrical and PVOD windows conclude, the movie will eventually be available to stream on Lionsgate's Starz service, and eventually on The Roku Channel and Peacock, thanks to deals struck back in 2022.

No, a trailer has not yet been released for Michael , and since the biopic is still in the midst of production, there is a good chance that we won't see one for a while. It would be safe to assume that the first trailer for Michael will be released to the public sometime before the end of 2024.

However, the first official footage of the film was shown at Lionsgate's CinemaCon presentation on April 10, 2024. Collider's Britta DeVore was in attendance and r ecapped what she saw in the footage in a piece for the site , writing:

The trailer opened with thousands of screaming fans in absolute hysterics over the King of Pop. Pulling us back through time, Jackson’s earlier days as a member of his family band, The Jackson 5 , are put on display with his mother, Katherine ( Nia Long ), showering him with loving words of encouragement. As we speed into his adolescent and young adult years, iconic outfits and performances can be picked out while “Man in the Mirror” plays in the background. Not only did we get to see plenty of footage of Jackson’s incredible portrayal of the man behind the music, but there was also a standout moment that featured an unrecognizable Colman Domingo as Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson .

There has been much discussion over what a biopic on Michael Jackson will cover, especially with the music titan's estate involved. Jackson's career has been marred in controversy, including allegations of child abuse against Jackson, and Jackson's own allegations against his father, Joe Jackson . In an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub , director Antoine Fuqua clarified what the movie will cover, saying:

" I'm gonna show you the facts as I know it, give you a better insight on Michael as an artist, as a human being—the good, bad, and the ugly—and let people decide for themselves on what they feel about Michael Jackson. That's what I wanna do. I think it's worthwhile."

The official synopsis for Michael from Lionsgate reads:

MICHAEL will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.

Taking on the role of Michael Jackson is no easy task and one that would be intimidating for any young actor to take on. Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson , will be playing Michael Jackson as an adult. This will be the 27-year-old's first acting credit, although he does have a striking resemblance to his late uncle. Michael's mother Katherine Jackson declared her approval of Jaafar , saying:

“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”

On January 19, Jackson released a photo of himself, in character as his uncle, on his Instagram .

Lionsgate released the first official look at Jafar Jackson in character on February 13, through their X account.

Playing Michael Jackson as a child is Juliano Krue Valdi , who, much like Jaafar Jackson, has no prior acting credits to his name. Fuqua expressed his excitement over Valdi's casting in a statement, saying:

"If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? In the end, that was our focus – talent – and we looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list".

Colman Domingo , who recently received his first Academy Award nomination for Rustin , will be playing Jackson's father, Joe Jackson. Graham King talked about his enthusiasm for Domingo's casting, saying:

"Few actors present themselves with Colman’s screen presence and force of will. We’re so fortunate to have an actor with his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen. We couldn’t be more excited to have him join us on this journey."

Other cast members involved in Michael include Nia Long ( The Best Man Holiday ) as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller ( Top Gun: Maverick ) as John Branca, Laura Harrier ( Spider-Man: Homecoming ) as Suzanne de Passe, Joseph David-Jones ( Arrow ) as Jackie Jackson, Kat Graham ( The Vampire Diaries ) as Diana Ross , Larenz Tate ( Power ) as Berry Gordy, Jessica Sula ( Split ) as La Toya Jackson, Kevin Shinick ( Robot Chicken ) as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones ( Succession ) as Billy Bray, and Kendrick Sampson ( Insecure ) as Quincy Jones.

Other cast members include Jamal R. Henderson and Jayden Harville as Jermaine Jackson; Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Marlon Jackson; Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards as Tito Jackson; Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as Jackie Jackson; and Liv Symone as Gladys Knight.

As previously stated, Antoine Fuqua is directing Michael . Fuqua is most known for directing action and crime movies such as The Equalizer trilogy, Training Day , The Magnificent Seven , The Guilty , Shooter , and Olympus Has Fallen . Although he has occasionally ventured into more dramatic territory with the Jake Gyllenhaal boxing movie Southpaw and the Will Smith historical thriller Emancipation . Michael is a passion project for Fuqua, who expressed his admiration for the artist in a press release.

"For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible."

John Logan , the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter behind Gladiator , The Aviator , and Hugo , penned the screenplay for Michael . Outside of his awards-oriented movies, Logan also wrote the screenplays for the James Bond movies Skyfall and Spectre .

Graham King will produce the movie alongside John McClain and John Branca , the co-executors of Jackson's estate. David B. Householter ( Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ) serves as the film's executive producer.

Academy Award winner Dion Beebe ( Memoirs of Geisha ) will provide the cinematography for Michael , with Academy Award winner Barbara Ling ( Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ) serving as the production designer.

Filming was initially expected to begin in Santa Barbara, California in September 2023, but was ultimately delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA Strikes. On January 22, 2024, filming finally began.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Michael Jackson big screen biopic will start production this year

The film will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, whose credits include Training Day, and will be in collaboration with the singer’s estate

A long-gestating movie about the life of Michael Jackson is set to start production this year.

The film, called Michael, will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, whose credits include Training Day, The Equalizer and, most recently, slavery thriller Emancipation. The screenplay will come from three-time Oscar nominee John Logan, who wrote the scripts for Gladiator and Skyfall.

Michael will also be made in conjunction with the singer’s estate with co-executors John Branca and John McClain producing alongside Graham King, who has previously been involved with bringing Bohemian Rhapsody to the screen.

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” said Fuqua in a statement. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter , studio Lionsgate has claimed the film will address “all aspects of Jackson’s life” and Deadline has stated that it will “deal squarely” with more difficult issues. After the release of HBO’s two-part docuseries Leaving Neverland in 2019, which contained allegations of sexual abuse towards children by Jackson, his estate condemned it as “tabloid character assassination” and insisted his innocence.

Michael follows on from Broadway musical MJ which was a box office hit making over $83m but received mixed reviews. The Guardian’s Adrian Horton called it “mesmerising” yet “ultimately discomforting”.

Queen drama Bohemian Rhapsody was a major hit upon release making $910m worldwide and while Elvis made $287m in 2022, Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody recently struggled with less than $50m since release last month. Upcoming music biopics focused on Amy Winehouse and Leonard Bernstein are set for release later this year.

• Michael Jackson

Most viewed

site categories

Chris hemsworth gets hollywood walk of fame star – and a ribbing from his fellow avengers, ‘emancipation’s antoine fuqua to direct michael jackson biopic for lionsgate; john logan script & ‘bohemian rhapsody’s graham king producing with estate.

By Justin Kroll , Mike Fleming Jr

EXCLUSIVE: Antoine Fuqua is set to direct Michael , a Lionsgate drama telling the complex life story of the iconic singer Michael Jackson . A script is in by John Logan , and the film will be produced by Graham King , who turned the Freddie Mercury Queen story into the blockbuster Oscar Best Picture-nominated Bohemian Rhapsody . GK Films will produce alongside the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Related Stories

'Black Rabbit' Adds Laura Linney, Ben Semanoff & Justin Kurzel As Directors Of Netflix Limited Series

2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming

This has long been a passion project for King and Loga n, who teamed on the Oscar-nominated Martin Scorsese-directed Howard Hughes film The Aviator and his race to innovate before his mental illness and germophobic obsessions overtook him. Sources tell us that the film will undoubtedly make the most of Jackson’s musical accomplishments and re-creation of seminal career highlights beginning with the days he fronted The Jackson 5 as a child to his hitmaking work as the biggest musical star in the world as an adult. But it will also deal squarely with the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years up to his death in 2009 at age 50, from cardiac arrest caused by a cocktail of sedatives.

Things are moving fast on Michael. Fuqua is currently finishing The Equalizer 3 with Denzel Washington in Italy, and then he will turn his attention to this one. Production will begin later this year, and we’ve heard that Fuqua will draft his Emancipation and Equalizer 3 cinematographer Robert Richardson to be by his side.

Jackson’s emergence as King of Pop was filled with unprecedented achievement, including being really the first Black singer to crack the regular rotation of videos on MTV; his introduction of the moonwalk while performing “Billie Jean” on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special in 1983; the incredible production values of the videos for “Thriller,” “Billie Jean” and other songs; and setting all kinds of records for sales and accolades.

On the other side of the coin, Jackson grew up bullied by his father Joe, the domineering Jackson 5 manager who drove his kids hard as they emerged from Gary, Indiana to become pop sensations as children, anchored by Michael’s golden voice. Michael Jackson bettered his career as he grew to adulthood, but this was accompanied by odd behavior that included sleepovers of young male children at his Neverland Ranch. Long dismissed as some kind of Peter Pan syndrome, that habit took a more sinister connotation when some of the boys claimed they had been molested, with a litany of lawsuits. There was also the plastic surgery, which transformed his face dramatically. We’ve heard theories that Jackson’s motivation might have been a wish not to see a resemblance to his father when he looked in the mirror, but certainly some of this came after he suffered damage when he was set ablaze in a pyrotechnic malfunction during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1984 that required reconstructive scalp surgeries and was his introduction to painkillers.

Just as the recent Whitney Houston film I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the Baz Luhrmann-directed Elvis (the latter of which leaned into the singer’s co-dependent relationship with greedy, parasitic manager Colonel Tom Parker), the drama will come from balancing the sides of Jackson’s life and please his fans, as well as standing up and not seeming like a whitewash. We’ve heard the film might start later in his life, and then look back on the upbringing that forged his incredible talent and work ethic, along with the damage it inflicted that ultimately makes Jackson a tragic musical figure.

“Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen  Michael  as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make  Michael  an unforgettable film,” said Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

Said King: “Antoine’s films provide personal perspectives of larger-than-life characters that continuously captivate global audiences. I’m confident that Antoine will make an exceptional and compelling film that will both celebrate and give profound new insights into the life of the King of Pop.”

Fuqua, who early in his career directed videos with the likes of Prince, Lil’ Wayne, Toni Braxton and Stevie Wonder before his film breakthrough on Training Day , will get to lean back in as he created the King of Pop’s most iconic stage and performance moments.

Fuqua is repped by LBI Entertainment and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

Must Read Stories

Streamer’s latest viewership data touts dramas, reality & a german miniseries.

Zendaya Watches Tom Holland’s First Night In ‘Romeo & Juliet’

Netflix buys world on powell-mackie-dern ‘monsanto’ & u.s./uk for ‘emilia pérez’, ‘inside out 2’ poised for highest opening of 2024 so far with $80m-$85m.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

39 comments.

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Entertainment

Everything to Know About the Michael Jackson Biopic

The biopic will star Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar as the King of Pop

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The story of Michael Jackson ’s life and career is being adapted for the big screen. 

In January 2023, it was announced that Lionsgate was working on a biopic about the King of Pop , which will simply be titled Michael . 

Since then, more details have been announced about the project, including the actor playing the titular role. Stepping into the iconic shoes of the musician is Jackson’s own nephew Jaafar Jackson , who is the son of Michael's brother Jermaine Jackson . 

The film comes on the heels of the success of Broadway‘s MJ: The Musical , which chronicles the "Bad" singer’s creative process, focusing on his preparation for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The show, which scored four Tony Awards in 2022, premiered in Februray 2022 with Myles Frost and kicked off its first national tour in August 2023 with Roman Wellington Banks . 

From the release date to the cast, here’s everything to know about Michael . 

Who is in the cast of the Michael Jackson biopic? 

Jackson’s 27-year-old nephew Jaafar is set to play him in the new movie. "It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement to Variety . "There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera."

Jaafar was selected for the role after a worldwide casting search was conducted, of which producer Graham King said, "It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role."

In January 2024, Lionsgate announced that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi had been cast to portray a young Jackson, since the film covers his rise to fame with his brothers in the Jackson 5. 

Towards the end of the month, it was announced that Oscar-nominated, Rustin actor Colman Domingo was cast as Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson. Producer King said the actor "has such incredible range" and is "grateful to be working" with him on the project.

Playing the Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson will be Nia Long, who called her character "an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family." She added, "As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”

Rounding out the rest of the Jackson 5 group will be Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie.

Miles Teller is also set to play John Branca, who became Michael's manager after Joe Jackson, and was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist — notably with the release of "Thriller." 

What will the Michael Jackson biopic be about?

Fin Costello/Redferns

According to the film’s official synopsis, “ Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.” 

“The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances,” the statement continues. “As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”

The biographical movie is set to cover all aspects of the singer’s life, however, it is currently unknown whether the film will address Jackson's controversies including allegations of child sex abuse levied against Jackson that were most recently publicly detailed in the 2019 documentary film Leaving Neverland .

Who is directing the Michael Jackson biopic?

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

The film will be helmed by Antoine Fuqua, who is best known for directing The Equalizer trilogy, Southpaw , Emancipation and several critically acclaimed documentaries such as What's My Name: Muhammad Ali and Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers .

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” said Fuqua in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter . “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”

The film will be written by Oscar nominee and Tony winner John Logan and produced by Graham King, who previously worked on the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody . King will producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.

What has Michael Jackson’s family said about the Michael Jackson biopic?

Dave Hogan/Getty

In addition to having Jackson’s estate involved as producers, the movie has already gotten the seal of approval from those closest to the singer, including his mother Katherine, who said that Jaafar "embodies" her son.

"It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers," she told The Hollywood Reporter .

When did filming begin for the Michael Jackson biopic?

According to a press release shared by Lionsgate on Jan. 18, 2024, filming for principal photography began the week of Jan. 22. 

When will the Michael Jackson biopic be released?

FRANCIS Sylvain/AFP via Getty

The film will be released worldwide on April 18, 2025.

Related Articles

By clicking Sign In, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Sign In Up with your social account

We won't post to any of your accounts

Your password must include:

• Min 8 characters
• Min 1 lowercase character
• Min 1 uppercase character
• Min 1 number

Everything We Know About the Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic: Cast, Release Date

Michael Jackson ’s long-awaited biopic is coming to theaters faster than you can say “Beat It.”

The upcoming film, Michael , has made headlines since casting Jaafar Jackson , the real-life nephew of the late musician and son of Jermaine Jackson , as Michael.

Director Antoine Fuqua announced the exciting casting decision via Instagram in January 2023, along with a picture of Jaafar dressed in his uncle’s signature look. The caption reads, “Proud to announce Jaafar Jackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon.”

Juliano Krue Valdi was chosen to play the younger version of Michael in the upcoming bio film.

Related: Amy Winehouse Biopic ‘Back to Black’: Everything We Know

Graham King , known for his work on rock band Queen ‘s biopic Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018, is set to produce. Along with King, John Branca and John McCain , who are coexecutors of the Jackson estate, will also be producing the project. Given their involvement, it’s unclear how the film will portray the singer’s ultimate downfall.

“We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”

Keep scrolling for everything we know about the upcoming biopic:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antoine Fuqua (@antoinefuqua)

Who’s in the cast?

Jaafar will play the older version of Michael, while Valdi stars as the younger version of the King of Pop.

As for the rest of the Jackson 5, Jermaine will be played by Kamal R. Henderson in the film’s later years, with Jayden Harville playing his younger counterpart. Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter share the role of Marlon Jackson , with Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards starring as Tito Jackson . Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre play the elder and younger versions of Jackie Jackson , respectively.

The cast also includes Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as Michael’s father, Joe Jackson , Nia Long as mother Michael’s, Katherine Jackson , and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.

Larenz Tate will portray Motown Records founder Berry Gordy , with Kat Graham as Diana Ross , Jessica Sula as Michael’s older sister La Toya Jackson , Liv Symone as Gladys Knight , Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones , KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray and Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark .

In an interview with Variety , Domingo spoke about his role as the Jackson patriarch.

“Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex, and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson,but I also have a front-row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation,” Domingo said.

Related: Everything to Know About the Richard Simmons Biopic Starring Pauly Shore

When does it come out.

Michael is currently slated for an April 18, 2025 premiere date.

What’s it about?

According to the film’s official synopsis, “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”

You have successfully subscribed.

Subscribe to newsletters

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly

Deal of the Day

Check our latest news in Google News

Check our latest news in Apple News

The project will also be facing “the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years,” per Deadline.

What has the Jackson family said of the biopic?

Along with having Jackson’s estate executors serve as producers on the film, the family has already given their stamp of approval of the biopic, with Katherine declaring that Jaafar “embodies” her son.

“It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” Katherine told The Hollywood Reporter .

In this article

Jermaine jackson, katherine jackson.

Michael Jackson

More stories.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was a multitalented singer and dancer who enjoyed a chart-topping career both with the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

Quick Facts

Early life and family, the jackson 5, emerging solo career, "thriller" (1982), the height of stardom, continued career success and abuse allegations, career decline and criminal charges, wives and children, memorials and legacy, who was michael jackson.

Known as the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson was a best-selling American singer, songwriter, and dancer. As a child, Jackson became the lead singer of his family’s popular Motown group, the Jackson 5 . He went on to a solo career of astonishing worldwide success, delivering No. 1 hits from the albums Off the Wall , Thriller , and Bad . Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums in history. In his later years, Jackson was dogged by allegations of child molestation. The 13-time Grammy Award winner died in 2009 at age 50 of a drug overdose just before launching a comeback tour.

FULL NAME: Michael Joseph Jackson BORN: August 29, 1958 DIED: June 25, 2009 BIRTHPLACE: Gary, Indiana SPOUSES: Lisa Marie Presley (1994-1996) and Debbie Rowe (1996-2000) CHILDREN: Michael “Prince,” Paris , and Prince “Blanket” ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Virgo

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. He was the eighth of 10 children born to Joseph Jackson , a crane operator, and Katherine Jackson, a homemaker and a devout Jehovah’s Witness. Both of Jackson’s parents previously had musical aspirations themselves: Katherine played clarinet and piano and had aspired to be a country singer, while Joseph was a guitarist who performed in local R&B bands. They encouraged their children to pursue musical ambitions, and Jackson’s career in music began at the age of 5 under his father’s encouragement.

Almost all of Jackson’s siblings made marks in the music industry, including Rebbie , Jackie, Tito, Jermaine , La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet Jackson . (His brother Brandon, Marlon’s twin, died shortly after birth.) Joseph pushed his children hard to succeed, making them rehearse five hours a day after school, and was reportedly known to become violent with them . He was said to beat them with a belt buckle or electric kettle cord and to order them to break a branch off a tree if they got a dance step wrong so he could hit them with it.

Joseph molded his sons into a musical group in the early 1960s that would later become known as the Jackson 5. At first, the Jackson Family group consisted of Jackson’s older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Jackson joined his siblings when he was 5 years old and emerged as the group’s lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. They officially became the Jackson 5 when older brother Marlon joined the group.

Watch This Is It , the dramatic documentary with rare behind-the-scenes footage of Michael creating and preparing for his sold out shows that would have taken place in London's O2 Arena.

Jackson and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, “Big Boy,” with the B-side “You’ve Changed,” but the record failed to generate much interest. The group moved on to working as the opening act for R&B artists such as Gladys Knight and The Pips, James Brown , and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and the Jackson 5 eventually caught the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy .

Impressed by the group, Gordy signed the group to his label in early 1969. Jackson and his brothers moved to Los Angeles, where they lived with Gordy and with Diana Ross of the Supremes as they got settled. The Jackson 5 made its first television appearance during the 1969 Miss Black American Pageant, performing a cover of “It’s Your Thing.” Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 , hit the charts in December 1969, with the single “I Want You Back” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly afterward.

More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.” For several years, Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Gordy and his Motown staff. The group became so popular that it even had its own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1972. Jackson also popularized the “robot dance” after using the move during a 1973 performance of the song “Dancing Machine” on The Mike Douglas Show .

Despite the group’s great success, there was trouble brewing behind the scenes. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph over the management of his children’s careers, with the Jacksons wanting more creative control over their material. The group officially severed ties with Motown in 1976, though Jermaine remained with the label to pursue his solo career. Now calling themselves the Jacksons, the group signed a new recording deal with Epic Records. By the release of its third album for the label, Destiny (1978) , the brothers had emerged as talented songwriters.

Moonwalk: A Memoir

Jackson began his solo career while simultaneously performing with the Jackson 5. He released his debut solo album at age 13 with Got to Be There (1971), making the charts with the title track. He had his first solo No. 1 single with the title track from his sophomore album Ben (1972), which he recorded for the 1972 film of the same name about a killer rat. Jackson followed those albums with Music and Me (1973) and Forever, Michael (1975), the latter of which was his last album with Motown Records.

As Jackson’s stardom rose, he tried his hand at acting, and the experience left its mark on his music, too. Jackson portrayed the Scarecrow in the Sidney Lumet–directed film The Wi z (1977), starring alongside Diana Ross and Nipsey Russell. While living in New York City to make the film, Jackson frequently visited the Studio 54 nightclub and was exposed to early hip-hop music, which contributed to his beatboxing in future songs like “Working Night and Day.”

Jackson achieved his solo career breakthrough with Off the Wall (1979), his first album with Epic Records and his first produced by Quincy Jones , whom he met while working on The Wiz . An infectious blend of pop and funk, Off the Wall featured the Grammy Award–winning single “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” along with such hits as “Rock with You,” “She’s Out of My Life,” and the title track. Critics felt the album moved Jackson from the pop music of his youth into a more complex sound, and some have called it one of the best pop albums ever made .

Jackson was still performing with his brothers at this time, and the overwhelmingly positive response to Off the Wall helped the Jacksons as a group. Their album Triumph (1980) sold more than 1 million copies, and the brothers went on an extensive tour to support the recording. At the same time, Jackson continued exploring more ways to branch out on his own. In 1983, Jackson embarked on his final tour with his brothers to support the album Victory (1984). Jackson’s duet with Mick Jagger called “State of Shock” was the most successful single from the album.

Jackson achieved unparalleled success with the release of his six solo album Thriller (1982), which as of August 2021 was still recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling album of all time, having sold 67 million copies worldwide and 34 million units in the United States alone. The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks after its release, holding the No. 1 spot for 37 weeks, and generated seven Top 10 hits, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Human Nature,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).”

The album garnered 12 Grammy Award nominations and notched eight wins, both records at the time. Jackson also filmed an elaborate music video was for the album’s title track. Directed by filmmaker John Landis, the 14-minute “Thriller” mini-movie features a horror plot that culminates with Jackson dancing with dozens of zombies in an abandoned city street. Following its debut on MTV on December 2, 1983, it was hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time and became the first music video to be selected for the National Film Registry in 2009.

On a 1983 television special honoring Motown, Jackson performed his No. 1 hit “Billie Jean” and debuted the moonwalk, which became one of his signature moves. The dance step, which R&B musician Jeffrey Daniel had taught him three years earlier , involves the dancer gliding backwards despite bodily actions that suggest forward motion. The much-lauded dance performance further boosted sales for the already-successful Thriller album. The New York Times hailed Jackson as a “musical phenomenon,” writing: “In the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else.”

Jackson signed a record-breaking $5 million promotional deal with PepsiCo in November 1983, launching the brand’s youth-targeted New Generation campaign. However, Jackson ended up filing a lawsuit against Pepsi when, during filming of a simulated concert for a commercial, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson’s hair on fire , resulting in second- and third-degree burns on his scalp. Jackson had surgery to repair his injuries and is believed to have begun experimenting with plastic surgery around this time. His face, especially his nose, would become dramatically altered in the coming years.

In 1985, Jackson showed his altruistic side by working with Lionel Richie to co-write “We Are the World,” a charity single for the non-profit organization USA for Africa. A veritable who’s who of music stars participated in the project, including Ray Charles , Bob Dylan , Willie Nelson , Bruce Springsteen , and Tina Turner . It became one of the top-selling singles of all time and raised, by some accounts, more than $75 million for humanitarian aid to fight poverty in Africa.

Five years after Thriller , Jackson released his highly-anticipated follow-up album Bad (1987). Although unable to duplicate the phenomenal sales of Thriller , Bad still reached the top of the charts and became the first album to feature five No. 1 hits with “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Dirty Diana.” Filmmaker Martin Scorsese directed the title track’s music video, which featured a then-unknown Wesley Snipes and involved an elaborate story about delinquent teenagers and gang violence. Jackson spent more than a year on the road, playing concerts to promote the album.

In 1988, Jackson bought 2,700 acres of property in Los Olivos, California, for $17 million and had it converted into Neverland Ranch , a home and private amusement park that he owned until 2005. Named after the fantasy island from the Peter Pan story, it included a zoo, train, Ferris wheel, and 50-seat movie theater. Several exotic pets were kept at the ranch, including Jackson’s famous pet chimpanzee Bubbles.

Around the late 1980s, rumors began swirling that Jackson was lightening the color of his skin to appear more white and sleeping in a special oxygen chamber to increase his lifespan. In 1993, Jackson agreed to a rare television interview with Oprah Winfrey to quell rumors. He explained that the change in his skin tone was the result of a skin condition known as vitiligo, and he opened up about the abuse he suffered from his father.

In 1991, Jackson released his eighth solo album Dangerous , his first without Quincy Jones in 16 years. The album marked a different direction for Jackson and mixed various genres, including R&B, funk, gospel, hip-hop, rock, industrial, and classical. It included the hit single “Black or White,” with an accompanying music video directed by Landis and featuring a cameo appearance by child star Macaulay Culkin . The final minutes of the video featured Jackson making sexual gesturing and violently damaging cars and buildings, which drew criticism from some viewers. Jackson issued an apology and edited the video to remove these elements.

Jackson’s music continued to enjoy widespread popularity in the following years. In 1993, he performed at several important events, including the halftime show of Superbowl XXVII. However, 1993 also saw the first of several child molestation allegations against Jackson, when a 13-year-old boy claimed that the music star had fondled him. Jackson was known to have sleepovers with boys at his Neverland Ranch, but this was the first public charge of wrongdoing. The police searched the ranch, but said they found no evidence to support the claim. The following year, Jackson settled the case out of court with the boy’s family.

In the 2003 television documentary Living with Michael Jackson, British journalist Martin Bashir spent several months with the singer, even getting him to discuss his relationships with children. Jackson admitted that he continued to have children sleep over at his ranch, even after the 1993 allegations and that sometimes he slept with the children in his bed. “Why can’t you share your bed? That’s the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone,” Jackson told Bashir.

Jackson’s musical career began to decline with the lukewarm reception to HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I (1995). The two-disc album featured a greatest hits compilation on disc one and new material on disc two that included collaborations with Janet Jackson, The Notorious B.I.G. , Shaquille O’Neal , and Slash . HIStory was considered Jackson’s most personal album , with lyrics pertaining to his child abuse allegations and anger of his treatment by the media. The record spawned two hits, “You Are Not Alone” and his duet with sister Janet, “Scream.” The spaceship-themed video for the latter song cost a record-setting $7 million to produce and earned a Grammy Award for its slick effects. Another track from the album, “They Don’t Care About Us,” brought Jackson intense criticism for using an anti-Semitic term.

In 2001, Jackson released Invincible , his final studio album prior to his death. It cost $30 million to produce, making it the most expensive album ever made . The album touched upon such topics as isolation, social issues, and Jackson’s continued objections to the media. Despite debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, it received mixed reviews from critics. Invincible was released as Jackson was having legal issues with Sony over the rights to his master recordings , which escalated when Jackson called Sony Music Chairman Tommy Mottola a racist who exploits Black artists.

By the turn of the century, Jackson was increasingly becoming known for his eccentricities, which included wearing a surgical mask in public. In 2002, Jackson made headlines when he seemed confused and disoriented on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. In 2002, he received enormous criticism for dangling his baby son Blanket over a balcony while greeting fans in Berlin, Germany. In a later interview, Jackson explained that “We were waiting for thousands of fans down below, and they were chanting they wanted to see my child, so I was kind enough to let them see. I was doing something out of innocence.”

In 2003, Jackson encountered more legal woes when he was arrested on charges related to incidents with a 13-year-old boy. He faced 10 counts in total, including lewd conduct with a minor, conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion. The resulting 2005 trial was a media circus, with fans, detractors and camera crews surrounding the courthouse. More than 130 people testified, and Jackson’s accuser described via videotape how he had been given wine and molested. However, the jury found problems with his testimony, as well as that of his mother. Jackson was found not guilty of all charges on June 14, 2005.

In August 1994, Jackson announced that he had married Lisa Marie Presley , daughter of rock icon Elvis Presley . The union proved to be short-lived, as they divorced in 1996. Some thought that the marriage was a publicity ploy to restore Jackson’s image after child molestation allegations.

Later in 1996, Jackson wed nurse Debbie Rowe . Jackson and Rowe had two children through artificial insemination: son Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. , born in 1997 and known as Prince Jackson, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson , born in 1998. When Rowe and Jackson divorced in 1999, Michael received full custody of their two children. Jackson would go on to have a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II who went by “Blanket” and now “Bigi,” with an unknown surrogate in 2002.

Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home. CPR attempts failed, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he died later that morning. In February 2010, an official coroner’s report revealed Jackson’s cause of death was acute propofol intoxication, or a lethal overdose on a prescription drug cocktail including the sedatives midazolam, diazepam, and lidocaine.

Aided by his personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray , Jackson had been taking sedative drugs to help him sleep at night. Murray told police that he believed Jackson had developed a particular addiction to propofol, which Jackson referred to as his “milk.” Murray reportedly administered propofol by IV in the evenings, in 50-milligram dosages, and was attempting to wean the pop star off the drug around the time of his death.

A police investigation revealed that Murray was not licensed to prescribe most controlled drugs in the state of California. The steps he took to save Jackson also came under scrutiny, as evidence showed that the standard of care for administering propofol had not been met, and the recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing, and resuscitation had not been present. As a result, Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on November 7, 2011, receiving a four-year maximum prison sentence.

In 2013, the Jackson family launched a wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live, the entertainment company that promoted Jackson’s planned comeback series in 2009. They believed that the company had failed to effectively protect the singer while he was under Murray’s care. Jackson family lawyers sought up to $1.5 billion—an estimation of what Jackson could have earned to that point—but in October 2013, a jury determined that AEG wasn’t responsible for the singer’s death.

On July 7, 2009, a televised memorial was held for Jackson’s fans at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. While 17,500 free tickets were issued to fans via lottery, an estimated 1 billion viewers watched the memorial on television or online. Jackson’s death resulted in an outpouring of public grief and sympathy. Memorials were erected around the world, including one at the arena where he was set to perform and another at his childhood home in Gary, Indiana. The Jackson family held a private funeral on September 3, 2009, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, for immediate family members and 200 guests. Celebrity mourners included Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley and actor Elizabeth Taylor .

Over the course of his career, Jackson had notched 38 Grammy Award nominations and 13 wins, including Album of the Year for Thriller , Record of the Year for “Beat It,” Song of the Year for “We Are The World,” and his first Grammy in 1980 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance on “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” Among his other awards and honors are the 1993 Grammy Legend Award, his 2001 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

A documentary of Jackson’s preparations for his final tour, entitled This Is It , was released in October 2009. The film, which features a compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of its star, made $23 million in its opening weekend and went on to make $261 million worldwide.

A handful of posthumous albums were released in the years after Jackson’s death. The first, Michael , was released in December 2010 amid controversy about whether the singer actually performed some of the tracks. Brother Randy was among those who questioned the authenticity of the recordings, but the Jackson estate later refuted the claims, according to The New York Times . The second album, Xscape ( 2014), featured R&B star and Jackson protege Usher performing the single “Love Never Felt So Good.” The album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard ’s Top 200 Album chart.

Since his death, Jackson has been profiled in multiple biographies and inspired the creation of two Cirque du Soleil shows. He was posthumously honored with the 2018 Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Legacy Award for Humanitarian Service, with children Paris and Prince Michael accepting on his behalf.

Jackson’s debts have been settled thanks to his earlier investment in the Sony/ATV Music catalog, which includes the publishing rights for songs of industry heavyweights such as the Beatles , the Rolling Stones , and Taylor Swift . The Jackson estate sold its share of Sony/ATV in 2016 for $750 million, and two years later, the estate received another $287.5 million for its stake in EMI Music Publishing. Additionally, Jackson’s earning power lasted well past his final days. In October 2017, Forbes announced that Jackson had topped the publication’s list of top-earning dead celebrities for the fifth straight year, earning $75 million.

Accusations of sexual abuse against Jackson resurfaced in early 2019 with the airing of Leaving Neverland at the Sundance Film Festival, followed by an HBO broadcast. The four-hour documentary explores the recollections of two men who describe how the pop star lured them into his orbit when they were boys, gaining the trust of their parents, before coercing them into sexual activities in hotel rooms and at his Neverland Ranch. The Jackson estate called the two accusers “serial perjurers” and launched a $100 million lawsuit against HBO. As of December 2020, the suit planned to go into arbitration .

• Being onstage is magic. There’s nothing like it. You feel the energy of everybody who’s out there. You feel it all over your body.
• Being an entertainer, you just can’t tell who is your friend.
• Being mobbed hurts. You feel like you’re spaghetti among thousands of hands. They’re just ripping you and pulling your hair. And you feel that any moment you’re gonna just break.
• I hate to take credit for the songs I’ve written. I feel that somewhere, someplace, it’s been done, and I’m just a courier bringing it into the world. I really believe that. I love what I do. I’m happy at what I do. It’s escapism.
• Why can’t you share your bed? That’s the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone.
• If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.
• I always want to know what makes good performers fall to pieces.
• My father would rehearse with a belt in his hand. You couldn’t mess up.
• Magic is easy if you put your heart into it.
• I wouldn’t be happy doing just one kind of music or label ourselves. I like doing something for everybody... I don’t like our music to be labeled. Labels are like... racism.
• What I’m asking is whether this is still a country where a peculiar person such as Michael Jackson can get a fair shake and be considered innocent until proven guilty... or is this just a 21st century American barnyard where we all feel free to turn on the moonwalking rooster... and peck it to death?

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

The Biography.com staff is a team of people-obsessed and news-hungry editors with decades of collective experience. We have worked as daily newspaper reporters, major national magazine editors, and as editors-in-chief of regional media publications. Among our ranks are book authors and award-winning journalists. Our staff also works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to produce the smart, compelling profiles and articles you see on our site. To meet the team, visit our About Us page: https://www.biography.com/about/a43602329/about-us

Colin McEvoy joined the Biography.com staff in 2023, and before that had spent 16 years as a journalist, writer, and communications professional. He is the author of two true crime books: Love Me or Else and Fatal Jealousy . He is also an avid film buff, reader, and lover of great stories.

Black History

Johnnie Cochran

Alice Coachman

Wilma Rudolph

Tiger Woods

Deb Haaland

10 Famous Langston Hughes Poems

5 Crowning Achievements of Maya Angelou

Ava DuVernay

Octavia Spencer

Inventor Garrett Morgan’s Lifesaving 1916 Rescue

Get to Know 5 History-Making Black Country Singers

Michael Jackson

• Born August 29 , 1958 · Gary, Indiana, USA
• Died June 25 , 2009 · Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA (acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication and involuntary manslaughter)
• Birth name Michael Joseph Jackson
• The Gloved One
• Wacko Jacko
• King Of Pop
• Smelly - called this by Quincy Jones because " Michael wouldn't say ‘funky.’ He’d say ‘smelly jelly.’"
• Height 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
• Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson (no relation to Joe Jackson , also a musician), had been a guitarist, but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Michael's mother Katherine Jackson (née Katherine Esther Scruse). Together, they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 1960s, the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964, Michael and Marlon had joined in. A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature, and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of the Jackson 5 . An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown , it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross ) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy 's attention, and by 1969, the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 1970s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop / soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a group like The Temptations to a disco phenomenon. Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 1980s, he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978) , but had much better luck with elaborate music videos. In the 1990s, the downside as an 1980s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically, and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley 's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind them appeared image-oriented. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. His passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman were unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his troubled adult life. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / [email protected]
• Spouses Debbie Rowe (November 15, 1996 - April 2000) (divorced, 2 children) Lisa Marie Presley (May 26, 1994 - August 20, 1996) (divorced)
• Children Prince Michael Jackson Bigi Jackson Paris Jackson
• Parents Joe Jackson Katherine Jackson
• Relatives Jackie Jackson (Sibling) Tito Jackson (Sibling) Jermaine Jackson (Sibling) Marlon Jackson (Sibling) Randy Jackson (Sibling) Brandon Jackson (Sibling) La Toya Jackson (Sibling) Janet Jackson (Sibling) Rebbie Jackson (Sibling) Yashi Brown (Niece or Nephew) Austin Brown (Niece or Nephew) Siggy Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Jermaine Jackson II (Niece or Nephew) Jaafar Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Marlon Jackson Jr. (Niece or Nephew) Billie Bodega (Niece or Nephew) Brittany Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Taj Jackson (Niece or Nephew) TJ Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Jermajesty Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Donte Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Genevieve Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Taryll Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Eissa Al Mana (Niece or Nephew) Autumn Joy Jackson (Niece or Nephew) Stacee Brown (Niece or Nephew) Brandi Jackson (Niece or Nephew)
• The Moonwalk
• Single sequined white glove
• He always wore white socks with black shoes
• Often wore a black hat and a jacket with a ribbon around one sleeve
• Lyrics reflecting his social concerns and hopes for a better world
• At his peak, Jackson was reportedly worth around $1 Billion.
• He claimed to have given $300 million to charity, more than any other celebrity apart from Oprah Winfrey .
• His 1982 album "Thriller" is the biggest selling album of all time, with confirmed sales of over 51 million, and claimed sales of over 100 million copies worldwide. His 1987 album "BAD" is one of the biggest selling albums of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide. His 1991 album "Dangerous" is one of the biggest selling albums of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.
• He was the first artist to generate seven top ten hits (USA) on one album with "Thriller".
• Following the week of his death, his album sales collectively spiked over 2000%.
• I can't think of a better way to spread the message of world peace than by working with the NFL and being part of Super Bowl XXVII.
• I don't like pop music.
• I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart.
• People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me.
• "Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn't make it factual. To buy it is to feed it." - about tabloid magazines.

Contribute to this page

• Learn more about contributing

More from this person

• View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro

More to explore

Recently viewed

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Everything we know so far about the new Michael Jackson biopic

The King of Pop is getting a controversial new biopic – with his nephew in the lead role

It’s an era for big pop biopics, with Freddie Mercury ( Bohemian Rhapsody ), Elton John ( Rocketman ), Whitney Houston ( I Wanna Dance With Somebody ) all getting the big-screen treatment in the past few years, and a new Amy Winehouse film currently shooting in London. Those films’ combination of grandstand lead performances, complex psychology and a jukebox-worth of well-loved pop bangers has proved irresistible to audiences and in some cases, awards voters too.

Repeating the trick for Michael Jackson – a far more polarising, problematic figure than any of those pop peers – looks like a much thornier business, so the new biopic about the one-time ‘King of Pop’ is going to be a major news story long before it hits the screen. Michael , as the film is minimalistically titled, has a lead actor, a big-name director in Antoine Fuqua and a production team with awards pedigree and experience. Here’s what we know about it so far.

What will the Michael Jackson biopic be about?

Scheduled to start filming this year, Michael will chart the singer’s rise to pop superstardom.

According to Variety , it will be a ‘never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop’. Screenwriter John Logan, who wrote The Aviator and co-wrote Gladiator , has penned a script that ‘will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances’.   

Calling the shots on Michael is Antoine Fuqua, a filmmaker best known more for his high-octane thrillers ( The Equalizer, Training Day) , as well as putting a modern spin on 2016’s The Magnificent Seven . Fuqua cut his teeth making music videos for the likes of Drake, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

Like Back to Black , the new Amy Winehouse biopic, the film is being made with the cooperation of the deceased singer’s estate. How the multiple allegations of child molestation made against Jackson will be handled on screen will, no doubt, be influenced by the family’s involvement in the movie. The singer denied the allegations, was tried and found not guilty, and maintained his innocence until his death in 2009.

Who will play Michael Jackson in the new biopic?

The casting keeps things very much in the family, with Michael Jackson being played by his 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson. He’s the son of Jackson’s brother, producer-musician Jermaine Jackson, a fellow Jackson 5 member whose sometimes stormy relationship with his more famous sibling may or may not form an intriguing subplot in the movie. 

An acting newbie, Jaafar brings a musical background and some powerful pipes of his own to it.

A large scale casting call was undertaken before the film’s lead actor was eventually found much closer to home. ‘I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,’ says producer Graham King. ‘It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.’

‘It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,’ says Fuqua. ‘There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.’

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antoine Fuqua (@antoinefuqua)

There’s no word on how much of the singer’s life the film will cover – although casting the  26-year-old in role seems to limit it to his earlier period of solo success, rather than the years leading up to his death, aged 50.

Any news on the release date?

Not as yet, though 2024 seems likely with the film not yet filming.

What has been said about the biopic?

With the project still in its early stages, the wider reaction has been relatively muted to date. But Jackson remains a deeply controversial figure and the film will need to avoid airbrushing out the darker aspects of the singer’s life, especially after 2019’s acclaimed TV docuseries Leaving Neverland brought old allegations back to the surface in devastating fashion. 

The multi-award winning Michael Jackson Broadway musical is coming to London . Back to Black : everything we know about the Amy Winehouse biopic so far .

• Phil de Semlyen Global film editor

Share the story

An email you’ll actually love

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out Worldwide

• All Time Out Locations
• North America
• South America
• South Pacific

Michael Jackson’s Nephew Recreates the King of Pop’s Iconic Dangerous Tour in ‘Michael’ Biopic First Look

By Jordan Moreau

Jordan Moreau

• Box Office: Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski’s ‘IF’ Makes $1.75 Million in Previews 7 days ago
• Tony McFarr, Chris Pratt’s Stunt Double in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2’ and ‘Jurassic World’ Movies, Dies at 47 1 week ago
• ‘John Wick’ Spinoff Starring Donnie Yen With ‘Umbrella Academy’ Writer Robert Askins in the Works, Filming Set for Hong Kong in 2025 1 week ago

The first look at the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been released, and it recreates one of the singer’s most iconic outfits.

Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson , plays the King of Pop in “Michael,” which releases in theaters on April 18, 2025. The film is now in production.

Jaafar Jackson takes the stage and recreates his uncle’s iconic “Man in the Mirror” look from his Dangerous Tour from 1992-93 in the first-look photo. It was taken by photographer Kevin Mazur, who photographed Jackson throughout his career and during his “This Is It” rehearsals.

Popular on Variety

The cast includes Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.

Director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”

“Michael” is produced by King and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, Branca and John McClain. Lionsgate is distributing the film domestically, while Universal Pictures International will handle all territories apart from Japan, which Lionsgate will oversee. 

More From Our Brands

Sean combs accused of drugging and assaulting college student in new lawsuit, woodford reserve’s new bourbon is a delicious accident, ncaa, power five ok $2.7 billion antitrust settlement, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, grey’s anatomy recap: [spoiler] is fired — and as one couple breaks up, another one hits the sheets, verify it's you, please log in.

Michael Jackson biopic coming from creators of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Gladiator'

A biopic about Michael Jackson is in the works from Oscar-winning “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King and “Gladiator” screenwriter John Logan. Lionsgate will handle the worldwide distribution of the film, the studio’s chair Joe Drake said Monday.

The studio said that the film will give, “an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop” and that it will bring to life his “most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.” Also producing are John Branca and John McClain, who are co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.

The Jackson business has been on the upswing of late, including the recently launched Broadway musical “ MJ: The Musical,” following a series of court victories that brought an end to serious legal crises.

The 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” raised child molestation allegations anew. The once-dead lawsuits brought by the two men featured in it had been revived by changes in the law. And a decision in the estate’s appeal of a $700 million tax bill was taking years to arrive. Bothaccusers’ lawsuits were dismissed and a ruling in the tax case slashed the bill dramatically.

More: Michael Jackson estate 'optimistic' about revival after recent court victories

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The two men featured in the documentary are appealing the dismissals of their lawsuits. HBO has defended “Leaving Neverland” as a valid and important piece of documentary journalism.

The victory handed to the estate in its tax case came in part because the judge believed the value of Jackson’s image and likeness had been severely diminished by such allegations at the time of his death, despite his acquittal at his 2005 child molestation trial.

'Leaving Neverland': All the controversies before the documentary's premiere

Under the guidance of Branca and McClain, the estate has brought in $2.5 billion in revenue in the past 11 years, and Jackson has remained the top-earning deceased celebrity every year since his death at age 50 from a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol.

Little else was revealed about the film, and no director or cast has been announced, but the names behind it suggest that eyes are on awards potential. Logan and Graham collaborated before on “The Aviator,” which got them both Oscar nominations.

More: Janet Jackson breaks silence on Super Bowl, says she's 'good friends' with Justin Timberlake

“I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I’m humbled to bring their legacy to the big screen,” King said in a statement. “Sitting at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I could never have imagined that nearly 38 years later I would get the privilege to be a part of this film.”

Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, also said in a statement that, “Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema... As a family, we are honored to have our life story come alive on the big screen.”

The Michael Jackson Biopic Has Found Its Star, And He's Related To The Late Singer

Lionsgate's upcoming film has found a lead for director Antone Fuqua to guide.

The Michael Jackson biopic being produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King has been steaming ahead into production. With the recent hiring of director Antoine Fuqua, a huge step had been taken towards getting this long developing project off the ground. 

While it's not quite a 2023 new movie releases contender, this year has seen the project getting even closer to camera ready. The latest development is potentially the most crucial, as this chronicle of moments in Jackson’s career has found its star, and he’s related to the late singer. 

Nephew Jaafar Jackson has been announced as playing the role of his uncle in the still untitled biopic. Lionsgate made the announcement today, through a press release containing the news. This choice has already nabbed some high praise from Antoine Fuqua and Graham King, but the most notable approval comes from Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, who made the following statement: 

Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.

According to his bio on IMDb , 26 year-old Jaafar Jackson is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael and fellow member of the Jackson 5. Through media appearances and music videos for his own projects, young Jaafar has been making waves in the family business of entertaining. 

Responding to his casting in the new Michael Jackson biopic, Jaafar posted an official photo from behind the scenes with a message of gratitude. Shown striking one of his uncle's signature poses, you can see that image, and Jackson's message, as follows:

I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon. Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup January 30, 2023

This sort of news is encouraging, especially in the wake of Universal’s cancellation of the Madonna biopic , which was potentially set to start Ozark ’s Julia Garner. As the 2023 Oscar nominations may hold some golden wins for Baz Luhrmann ’s Elvis , it only seems fitting that the King of Pop could be the next big musical biography to come after last year’s tribute to the King of Rock n’ Roll. Although this production has an advantage that could prevent another Austin Butler accent scenario from ever having to enter the picture. 

Casting Jaafar Jackson as his own uncle is naturally a narrative that sounds like a good start for the untitled Michael Jackson biopic. The resemblance is there in more ways than one, and people who’ve been following the young talent would know that already. You can see for yourself why this is such a good pick, when you watch the video for Jaafar's song "Got Me Singing," shown below:

CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER

Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News

It's still early days for this picture's development, and as we've seen above anything could happen before cameras start rolling. That being said, the enthusiasm and the family connections to this new Michael Jackson movie are already good signs that things are going well, with nowhere to go but up! 

With a screenplay from They/Them writer-director John Logan , the untitled Michael Jackson biopic is stated to start principal photography in 2023. There's currently no set date specified for production start or release, though it could be assumed that 2024 will be the year that Jaafar Jackson's performance as his uncle Michael will be revealed to the world. 

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.

Jeff Daniels Thought Dumb And Dumber’s Toilet Scene Was Going To End His Career, Shares Unexpected Way Clint Eastwood Reacted

Godzilla X Kong’s Been Crushing At The Box Office, But There’s Some Bad News For MonsterVerse Fans Looking Forward To The Sequel

'Betrayal Is Always Personal': Wendell Pierce Breaks Down Wagner's Decision To Stop Elsbeth, But Is There Hope For The Finale?

Most Popular

• 2 FBI: International Season 3 Finale Set Up An Intriguing Aftermath For Forrester's Disappearance, And I Totally Fell For The Bait And Switch
• 3 Prime Video's Haven TV Show: What We Know About The Sophie Turner Heist Thriller
• 4 The Good Doctor Series Finale Was A Reward For Longtime Fans, But I'm So Glad Shaun Didn't Do One Specific Thing
• 5 Kate Hudson Performed Her New Single On The Voice Finale, And The Reactions Are Wild

Michael Jackson Movie Biopic Casts Diana Ross & Motown Records Founder Roles

• The Michael biopic adds Larenz Tate and Kat Graham to the cast as Berry Gordy and Diana Ross respectively, alongside lead Jaafar Jackson.
• Tate and Graham join a star-studded cast including Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Nia Long for the upcoming film Michael .
• Jaafar Jackson makes his acting debut as Michael Jackson in the biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and set for release in 2025.

Michael finds new cast members to play Diana Ross and the founder of Motown Records. The upcoming biopic tracks the life and career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The film is directed by The Equalizer ’s Antoine Fuqua and is currently set for release in April 2025.

As per Variety , Michael has now added two more cast members. Those cast members will be Larenz Tate and Kat Graham. Tate will play the role of Berry Gordy, who was the founder of Motown Records. Graham will step in as music icon Diana Ross, who helped introduce the Jackson 5, and by extension Michael Jackson himself, to the music world and general public.

Who Else Is In The Michael Cast So Far?

Graham is an actor best known for her role on The Vampire Diaries , where she played Bonnie Bennett. She has also been in a number of films, including How It Ends , All Eyez on Me , and Cut Throat City . Tate, on the other hand, has appeared in movies such as Crash and Girls Trip . Acting in a music biopic like Michael is not new for Tate, as his previous work includes playing Quincy Jones in the 2004 movie Ray .

Graham has also appeared in a music biopic, as All Eyez on Me was about the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

Michael will be led by Jaafar Jackson in the titular role. He is the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson, and the son of music producer Jermaine Jackson. This movie will be Jaafar’s first acting role, as the production decided to go with a family member rather than a known actor for this particular part. Behind the scenes images have already offered a peek at what he looks like in the role.

Though the lead role will be filled by a newcomer, there are also a number of seasoned actors in the cast. Stepping in to play patriarch Joe Jackson is Colman Domingo, an acclaimed actor who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his role in Rustin . He will be joined by pros such as Miles Teller and Nia Long. With all these actors already a part of Michael , Tate and Graham are helping to round out a stacked cast.

Michael is set for release on April 18, 2025.

Source: Variety

Michael (2025)

Michael is an upcoming biographical film created by GK Films by director Antoine Fuqua and details the highs and lows of the King of Pop's storied career. From career to controversies, this documentary aims to cover significant moments in Michael Jackson's life, who Jaafar Jackson plays

Director Antoine Fuqua

Release Date April 18, 2025

Studio(s) GK Films

Distributor(s) Lionsgate

Writers John Logan

Cast Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Rhyan Hill, Judah Edwards, Tre Horton, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Jamal R. Henderson, Jayden Harville, Juliano Krue Valdi, Jaafar Jackson, Miles Teller, Joseph David-Jones

Rating Not Yet Rated

Genres Biography