Controversial Michael Jackson biopic gets first trailer after release date delay

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Universal and Lionsgate have just dropped the first trailer for Michael, a new movie about the life of Michael Jackson. The film, which has faced some debate because of its subject matter, is now scheduled to come out next year after filming additional scenes and pushing back its original 2025 release date.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, who also directed The Equalizer films, and starring Jaafar Jackson – Michael Jackson’s nephew – as the iconic singer, the movie tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and career, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his passing in 2009 at the age of 50.

The trailer features voiceover from Kendrick Sampson, who plays Quincy Jones, and shows highlights from throughout Jones’s life and work. We also get quick looks at Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long.

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The movie’s script was written by John Logan, who also wrote Skyfall. However, the film has sparked controversy because of accusations against the singer, Michael Jackson, involving alleged child sexual abuse. In 1993, a case was brought against him, but it was settled privately and no criminal charges were filed.

Following the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson, which showed Jackson holding hands with a young boy and talking about where they slept, he was formally accused of multiple counts of child molestation and giving a minor intoxicants.

The singer denied all accusations and was found not guilty by a jury in June 2005.

Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 – which authorities determined was the result of his doctor’s negligence – choreographers Wade Robson and James Safechuck brought legal action against him, alleging he had sexually abused them as children.

The legal cases were dropped because of deadlines, but the accusations resurfaced in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. This sparked a new public debate about Michael Jackson and resulted in a legal battle between his estate and the HBO network.

Jackson and his family have always denied claims of inappropriate behavior with children.

Producer Graham King explained to The Guardian that the film aims to portray Michael’s complex life honestly, acknowledging its difficulties without glossing over them. He wants to show a human side to the story, not a simplified or whitewashed version.

My goal is to create a captivating and fair film that tells a complete story, and then allow viewers to form their own opinions. Michael Jackson continues to be an important and influential artist, and his life and work deserve to be examined.

We don’t know how much the movie – originally planned as two parts, according to reports – will explore this aspect of Jackson’s life, but the trailer suggests it will mainly concentrate on his music and professional journey.

Michael is set to be released on 24 April, 2026.

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2025-11-07 15:19