Michael Jackson was the sort of artist who could sneeze and accidentally invent a dance craze, a fashion trend, and a minor diplomatic incident. His moonwalk at Motown 25 did more for gravity than Isaac Newton, while 'Thriller' frightened audiences into joyful submission and 'Black or White' attempted to solve world peace with a guitar riff. One does not simply have a legacy like his; one requires a global stage and several spare continents. With an impact that outsized, a biopic is inevitable.

Meet the gifted actors stepping into the shoes of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson in the upcoming biopic.

The upcoming biographical film Michael has secured a fitting lead, with Jaafar Jackson portraying Michael Jackson in his adult years, offering a familial link that adds authenticity to the role. Young Michael Jackson during the Jackson 5 era will be played by Juliano Krue Valdi. As for the portrayal of Janet Jackson, the studio has maintained silence. Although names such as Halle Bailey and Teyana Taylor have circulated, an official announcement regarding the actress remains pending.

Beyond the central siblings, the film features an extensive lineup to represent the Jackson family across generations. Nia Long will portray Katherine Jackson, while Colman Domingo will appear as the formidable patriarch Joe Jackson. Jessica Sula will play La Toya Jackson, with Jamal R. Henderson and Jayden Harville portraying Jermaine Jackson at different ages. Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter will depict Marlon Jackson, Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards will play Tito Jackson, and Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will represent Jackie Jackson.

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Michael, a biographical film about a megastar who treated stardom like his personal playground, has fans expecting nothing less than theatrical brilliance.

The biographical opus titled Michael will debut worldwide on April 24, 2026, fashionably late after an earlier flirtation with 2025. Under the direction of Antoine Fuqua, and with Jaafar Jackson inheriting the glittering glove on screen, the production has assembled access to songs, settings, and family blessings with the determination of a historian armed with a backstage pass. The result promises a saga rather than a simple stroll down memory lane, with runtime rumors suggesting an odyssey.

Expect a portrait that refuses to apply airbrush to history. Producer Graham King vows to "humanize but not sanitize,” which suggests that audiences will receive both the sequins and the shadows. Authentic stomping grounds such as Neverland and the original Thriller street have been revisited, and the IMAX release hints that the film intends to moonwalk directly into viewers’ laps. In short, prepare for spectacle seasoned with honesty.

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What aspect of Michael are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments!