'Michael' Biopic Official Trailer Released

The trailer showcases the film's cinematic grandeur and emotional depth in portraying Jackson's life and legacy.

After years of speculation, delays and nonstop anticipation, the biopic chronicling the King of Pop's indelible influence is finally nearing completion; starring Jafaar Jackson as Michael, a nostalgic nod to Bubbles the chimp, and a jaw-dropping transformation by an Emmy winner into the Jackson family's polarizing patriarch.

This week, Lionsgate released the first official trailer for Michael, the long-awaited biopic centered on the life, legacy, and unparalleled influence of Michael Jackson. As expected, the internet went into a frenzy. From longtime fans to casual viewers, the trailer immediately had people buzzing, signaling that one of the most ambitious music biopics ever is finally taking shape.

Michael asset — Source: Lionsgate Pictures / Lionsgate Pictures

The trailer wastes no time in setting the tone. It opens with glimpses of a young Michael navigating early-age fame, then quickly switches to the larger-than-life spectacle that defined his career. Iconic moments are teased throughout—the Jackson 5 era, sold-out stadiums, groundbreaking performances, and the emotional weight that came with global superstardom. There is a clear emphasis on both the magic and the pressure, showing Michael not just as an entertainer, but as a human being shaped by relentless expectations.

The film's lead is Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life cousin, who takes on the monumental task of portraying the King of Pop himself. He's joined by a stacked supporting cast, including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as longtime attorney and advisor John Branca, and Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, with a script written by John Logan, and produced by Graham King – the same producer behind Bohemian Rhapsody – signaling that this project is focused on both scale and substance.

Naturally, reactions to the trailer came fast and loud. Many fans applauded the casting, especially Jaafar Jackson's look, movement and overall presence, saying that it feels authentic without devolving into imitation. Others praised the film's visual quality and emotional weight, noting that it seems to honor Michael's genius while also acknowledging the complexity of his life. There remains a healthy skepticism that accompanies any story this big, but overall the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the trailer as powerful, emotional and promising.