Jaafar Jackson becomes Michael Jackson in new look at biopic 'MICHAEL'

Lionsgate shared a new official look at Michaelthe biographical film of Michael Jacksonwhich invites us to discover the birth of a king.

Through the Collider medium, the studio debuted an image that shows the protagonist, Jaafar Jackson –Michael's nephew– characterized as the adult version of the King of Pop, in what appears to be the time of the album Bad (1987), showing a striking similarity to MJ. In the image, we see Michael making his way through a crowd, wearing a smile and with his bodyguard behind him.

Take a look at the end of the note.

The biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), with a script written by John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall, Penny Dreadful).

The rest of the cast includes Colman Domingo (Selma, The Color Purple) y Nia Long (Missing, You People) as Joe and Katherine Jackson, Michael's parents, and Miles Teller (Whiplash, Top Gun: Maverick) as John Branca, manager, and one of the co-executors of MJ's estate.

Jessica Sula es LaToya Jackson, Lawrence Tate is Berry Gordon, founder of Motown Records, Laura Harrier as pioneering music executive Suzanne de Passe and Cat Graham like Diana Ross.

Michael's brothers and members of the Jackson 5 are played by Jayden Harville as the younger version of Jermaine, and Jamal R. Henderson (Mindhunter) in its adult version; Jaylen Lyndon Hunter like young Marlon and Three Hortons (My Enemy Alpha) in its adult version; Judah Edwards like young Tito and Rhyan Hill (The Michael Blackson Show) in its adult version; Nathaniel Logan McIntyre like young jackie and Joseph David-Jones (Roman J. Israel, Esq.) in its adult version.

The sensation of the Internet, Juliano Krue Valdiplays Michael in his 9-year-old version.

SYNOPSIS:

“Michael tells the story of Michael Jackson's life beyond music, charting his journey from discovering his extraordinary talent as the leader of the Jackson Five to becoming the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a tireless quest to be the world's greatest artist. Highlighting both his life off stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, The film gives audiences a privileged view of Michael Jackson like never before. Here your story begins”.

There have been speculations that the film will be divided into two parts, but there is no official information on this, nor is it clear from the synopsis if the film will address any of the controversies that surrounded the superstar.

The biopic is produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), and the co-executors of Michael Jackson's estate, John Branca y John McClain. The executive producer is David B. Householter.

Lionsgate will distribute the film domestically (US and Canada) and Japan, with Universal Pictures handling distribution in the rest of the markets.

The premiere in theaters is scheduled for April 24, 2026.

New look: