The Michael Jackson biopic from Lionsgate and Universal is looking to thrill audiences next year.
Director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is set to hit theaters April 24, 2026, after delaying its release several times, most recently having been dated for the fall of 2025. Marking his feature debut is Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role as the pop music icon.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Michael was set for 22 days of additional photography to take place in June, with sources noting at the time that the film was expected to end with Jackson leaving his family’s group The Jacksons after the release of his first solo album, 1979’s Off the Wall.
Sources tell THR that a second film is in development about the rest of Jackson’s career.
Michael’s cast includes Colman Domingo as the star’s father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as his mother, Katherine. Rounding out the cast are Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate and Derek Luke.
Footage from Michael debuted at CinemaCon last year, with producer Graham King revealing that the film would include 30 songs and have a lengthy run time. At this year’s CinemaCon in April, Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson teased the audience that news about the project would be forthcoming. Michael had previously been scheduled to hit theaters in April 2025 before shifting its release to October of this year.
“Ever since we debuted some early Michael footage at CinemaCon last year, it’s been crystal clear how much global interest and enthusiasm there is,” Fogelson said in April. “Much has happened since, and while we aren’t quite ready to share more, we’re going to have some very big and exciting things to say in the coming weeks. So be patient, and stay tuned.”
More to come.
