Update
After last night’s Grammy Awards presentation, music continues to fill the air as Lionsgate makes this Monday morning come alive with the latest trailer for Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. In the trailer, we witness MJ (Jaafar Jackson) giving himself a pep talk as he prepares to take another leap in his storied career. As the footage plays, we find Michael performing alongside the Jackson Five, while his father, Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo), takes advantage of his family’s talents. The trailer’s mood is shockingly effective, as you can’t help but feel Michael and his brothers wade through Joe’s poison words, hoping to find sunshine on the other side of the divide. The new trailer features plenty of footage from Michael’s iconic career, a cameo from Bubbles, MJ’s pet monkey, an iconic moment from his “Thriller” music video, and more.
Original Article
Ahead of tonight’s 2026 Grammy Awards, Lionsgate and Universal have released a new poster for Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic centering on the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The latest poster features Jafar Jackson as the Gloved One while dressed in his iconic outfit from his “Beat It” music video. While Jafar’s resemblance to his uncle isn’t uncanny, it’s damn close, and he looks great in Michael’s stunning red leather jacket and shades.
Antoine Fuqua helms the Michael Jackson biopic. Fuqua is best known for Training Day and The Equalizer trilogy, and he directs from a script by Oscar nominee John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall). Jaafar Jackson takes on the monumental task of portraying Michael Jackson, and the film also stars Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, with Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.
Here’s the synopsis for Fuqua’s Michael biopic
“Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”
Michael comes from producer Graham King, the man behind Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic that grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide and took home several Oscars. Like that film, Michael has endured its share of pre-release hurdles. While production reportedly went smoothly, the controversy around Jackson’s personal life — and how the movie portrays it — has become a sticking point. The other producers on the film include John Branca and John McClain.
Will Michael honor the Gloved One’s memory?
Could a new trailer for Michael debut at tonight’s Grammys celebration? Will Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic make Bohemian Rhapsody money? As a child, I was obsessed with Michael Jackson. His music is timeless, and I’m curious to see if Fuqua’s film honors the King of Pop in a way that elevates his legacy. MJ is a complicated figure. Here’s hoping Fuqua can navigate the drama that comes with the pop star’s many achievements.
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