Michael (2026)

	Directed by: Antoine Fuqua	COUNTRY USA Genre Musical biopic NORWEGIAN TITLE Michael RUNNING TIME 127 minutes
	Produced by: Graham King John Branca John McClain
	Written by: John Logan

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Michael Jackson	Jaafar Jackson
Joseph Jackson	Colman Domingo
Katherine Scruse-Jackson	Nia Long
John Branca	Miles Teller	½
Bill Bray	KeiLyn Durrel Jones	½
Young Michael	Juliano Krue Valdi
Jermaine Jackson	Jamal R. Henderson	-
Marlon Jackson	Tre Horton	-
Tito Jackson	Rhyan Hill	-
Jackie Jackson	Joseph David-Jones	-
Suzanne de Passe	Laura Harrier	-
La Toya Jackson	Jessica Sula	-
Walter Yetnikoff	Mike Myers
Quincy Jones	Kendrick Sampson	-
Berry Gordy	Larenz Tate	-

Review

MJ's estate and several members of the Jackson family were heavily involved in the production, so the fact that Michael has become largely a tribute may not be very surprising. Then again, aren't most musical biopics? In the case of Michael Jackson, everyone has strong opinions and feelings, so any film delving into the more controversial aspects of his story is guaranteed to become divisive. Michael focuses on the artist's unifying power through his music and dance. Jackson's upbringing and explosive rise to the top is such a unique and infinitely fascinating story that it screams for a biopic treatment. And although Michael may oversell the strained father/son relationship and undersell some of Jackson's more problematic sides, it doesn't shy away from his eccentricities. The main reason that it works so well, however, is Jafaar Jackson's masterful lead performance. He embodies the artist with total conviction – in everything from his voice and mannerisms to his peculiar sensitivity and, of course, his cutting-edge dancing. It's a fully fleshed out performance that somehow brings you up close and personal with the artist himself without ever being truly revealing. Jafaar carries the performative aspect of the portrayal with almost the same gusto and virtuosity that made Michael the greatest star on the planet – which in and of itself is such a remarkable feat that it cannot be overstated.