Jaafar Jackson is the King of Pop in IMAX poster for the biopic 'MICHAEL'

In a few weeks, we will have the premiere in theaters of a film that has not been free of controversy.

We talk about Michaelthe biopic about Michael Jacksonwhich invites us to discover the birth of a king.

And why do we say about the controversy? Because the film has received mixed reactions from the jackson familywith some internal disagreements reported recently. Apparently, Janet Jacksony Paris Jackson –Michael's eldest daughter– would be the ones who would be against the project. For one thing, Janet is said to have criticized aspects of the story after the Jackson family was invited to a private screening of it. While Paris criticized the first drafts of the script for containing “lies,” and has completely disassociated himself from the project, publicly declaring that he had no participation, and that he was not asked to collaborate, denying claims to the contrary. Furthermore, it is said that, Katherine JacksonMichael's mother would also have withdrawn her support for the film. Whoever is showing their interest and enthusiasm is Jermaine Jacksonbrother of Michael, well remember that the biopic stars his son, Jaafar Jackson.

While all this is happening, Lionsgate continues with the film's marketing campaign, sharing a new official posterwhich promotes the theatrical release IMAX.

Jaafar JacksonMichael's nephew, plays the adult version of the King of Pop, displaying a convincing similarity to MJ, who, from the physical appearance shown in the promotional material, appears to be the era of the album. Bad (1987).

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

Take a look at the poster 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.

SYNOPSIS:

“Michael tells the story of Michael Jackson's life beyond musiccharting 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 days as a solo artist, 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 producers are 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.

Póster IMAX: