'Michael' Biopic Premieres in Los Angeles, Receives Mixed Reactions

The event followed the film's world premiere in Berlin on April 10, 2026, and came ahead of its scheduled theatrical release on April 22, 2026, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, with full critics reviews dropping the same day and worldwide release on April 24, 2026.

Jaafar Jackson, nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson, plays the adult Michael Jackson in the film, delivering what several reactions called a tremendous and unreal performance.

Another attendee, Matthew Belloni, added, 'Jafaar Jackson is unreal in MICHAEL.' Juliano Krue Valdi portrays the young Michael Jackson, rounding out the depiction of the singer's early years. The film serves as the first official biopic of Michael Jackson, tracing his journey from his early Motown days with the Jackson 5 to his breakout as a solo artist.

It has secured rights to use Michael Jackson's music, allowing for recreations of iconic performances that reactions highlighted as highlights, such as the 'Beat It' number. ' Produced by Graham King, who previously produced the film Bohemian Rhapsody, which won four Oscars and earned $911 million at the global box office, 'Michael' aims to capture a similar audience.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie features a cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. ' Additional cast members include Lauren Farrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, Kendrick Sampson as producer Quincy Jones, Larenz Tate as Motown chief Berry Gordy, Liv Symone as singer Gladys Knight, and Kevin Shinick as TV host Dick Clark.

The Jackson brothers are portrayed by Jamal R. Henderson and Jayden Harville as Jermaine (adult and young), Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Marlon, Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards as Tito, Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as Jackie. Jessica Sula plays La Toya Jackson, though Janet Jackson does not feature in the film.

Mixed responses emerged, with some calling the biopic formulaic and overly sanitized, comparing it to Bohemian Rhapsody but noting a lack of depth. ' Positive takes emphasized the film's entertainment value and nostalgic appeal.

Jones Vibes stated, '#MichaelMovie is the best musical biopic I''ve ever seen, and it''s fitting for the greatest performer of all time.' Kelsey Nicole Nelson shared, 'From start to finish the new @michaelmovie is so good!' The reactions captured moments like audiences feeling transported to a Michael Jackson concert, with calls to see it in IMAX for the full experience.

Critics noted the film's focus on Jackson's rise up to the release of 'Bad,' avoiding later controversies. The biopic's production by Lionsgate has generated buzz, with reactions suggesting it could draw crowds similar to Bohemian Rhapsody. As the film approaches its April 24, 2026, worldwide release, these initial responses indicate strong appeal to fans despite criticisms of its surface-level narrative.