The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has moonwalked to a new release date, with Lionsgate officially moving the film to April 24, 2026, for its global theatrical release. This marks another significant delay for Antoine Fuqua’s ambitious project, which was originally scheduled for October 2025 before facing controversy, a ballooning budget, and a four-hour runtime that forced extensive reshoots and creative changes.
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Michael Jackson Behind the Delay: Production Challenges and Creative Decisions
The postponement stems from multiple factors that have transformed this biopic into one of Hollywood’s most challenging productions. Industry sources suggest the film may be split into two separate movies, a decision that reflects both the overwhelming amount of material covering Jackson’s life and the studio’s desire to maximize the storytelling potential.
The film follows Michael Jackson’s life and career from his time with the Jackson 5 as a child in the 1960s and 1970s to his final weeks before his death in 2009, an expansive timeline that presents unique narrative challenges for filmmakers.
Movie Details and Production Information
| Film Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Michael |
| New Release Date | April 24, 2026 |
| Original Release | October 2025 |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Lead Actor | Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) |
| Screenwriter | John Logan |
| Producer | Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) |
| Studios | Lionsgate (US), Universal Pictures (International) |
| Runtime | Originally 4 hours (likely split into two films) |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, Musical |
The film is being produced by Graham King, who was behind the Freddy Mercury Queen story of Bohemian Rhapsody, alongside the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain.
Casting and Star Power
The most intriguing casting choice remains Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson taking on the lead role in his feature debut. The singer and songwriter is the son of Jermaine Jackson, who is the brother of Michael and member of The Jackson 5.
Director Antoine Fuqua has expressed enthusiasm about the casting choice, and Jaafar has been singing and dancing since age 12, showcasing himself singing tunes from Sam Cooke to Marvin Gaye, along with originals.
The supporting cast includes talented actors who will bring the Jackson family dynamics and music industry figures to life, though specific role details remain under wraps as production continues.
Why the Split Into Two Films Makes Sense
Lionsgate confirmed that the highly-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic may end up being two separate films, with director Antoine Fuqua noting “At the end, when you look at the music library…” the scope of Jackson’s catalog and life story demands extensive treatment.
This decision mirrors successful multi-part biographical approaches seen in recent cinema, allowing filmmakers to explore different phases of Jackson’s career without compromising artistic integrity or audience engagement.
The two-film approach could potentially cover:
- Film 1: Jackson 5 era through “Thriller” success
- Film 2: Solo career peak through final years
Industry Impact and Box Office Expectations
The delay reflects broader industry trends where studios prioritize quality over quick releases, especially for high-profile biographical projects. Moving the film out of 2025 Oscar contention suggests Lionsgate is focusing on creative excellence rather than awards season positioning.
Given the success of recent music biopics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Elvis,” industry expectations remain high for Michael’s box office potential when it finally reaches theaters.
Legal and Estate Considerations
The Jackson estate’s involvement as co-producers ensures authenticity while navigating complex legal considerations surrounding Jackson’s legacy. This collaboration provides access to Jackson’s extensive music catalog and personal archives, crucial elements for creating an authoritative biographical portrayal.
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Production Timeline and Future Updates
With the new April 2026 release date, production teams have additional time for:
- Extensive reshoots and post-production refinement
- Music licensing negotiations and soundtrack development
- Marketing campaign development for potential two-film release strategy
Sources confirm that a second movie about Jackson remains in development, indicating Lionsgate’s commitment to comprehensively telling the King of Pop’s story.
What This Means for Michael Jackson Fans
The delay, while disappointing for eager fans, ultimately serves the project’s artistic vision. The additional production time allows for:
- More authentic recreation of Jackson’s iconic performances
- Deeper exploration of his artistic evolution and personal struggles
- Enhanced visual effects and period-accurate staging
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Conclusion: Worth the Wait
While “Michael” has faced numerous production challenges and delays, the April 2026 release date provides the creative team with necessary time to deliver a worthy tribute to the King of Pop. With Jaafar Jackson’s authentic portrayal, Antoine Fuqua’s directorial vision, and potential two-film treatment, this biopic promises to be a definitive exploration of one of music’s most influential figures.
The additional production time, though frustrating for fans, demonstrates Lionsgate’s commitment to creating a biographical masterpiece that honors Michael Jackson’s complex legacy and extraordinary artistic contributions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” delayed to April 2026?
A1: The film was delayed due to multiple production challenges including controversy, a ballooning budget, and an originally four-hour runtime that required extensive reshoots and creative changes. Lionsgate is also considering splitting the biopic into two separate films to properly cover Michael Jackson’s extensive life story and music catalog, which necessitated additional production time and planning.
Q2: Who is playing Michael Jackson in the biopic and why was this casting choice made?
A2: Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson is playing the lead role in his feature film debut. Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson (Michael’s brother and Jackson 5 member) and has been singing and dancing since age 12. Director Antoine Fuqua has expressed being “blown away” by Jaafar’s performance, and the casting provides authentic family connection while ensuring physical and vocal similarities to the King of Pop.
