Lionsgate has unveiled an early preview of Michael, the upcoming biographical film chronicling the rise of the King of Pop, set to hit theaters on April 24.
Michael Jackson is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, with Colman Domingo portraying his father, Joe Jackson. The newly released trailer centers on a young Michael striving to step out from the shadow of the Jackson 5 and establish himself as a solo artist. In one pivotal moment, he declares, “I love my family, but I just wanna do my own thing,” later adding, “Just have all these ideas in my head. Just got to get them out.”
The film blends Jackson’s personal life with recreations of landmark performances from the early years of his solo career. As the official synopsis explains, “Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, this film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is produced by Graham King alongside John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. A recently shared image shows Jaafar Jackson recreating a performance of “Man in the Mirror” during the Dangerous Tour of the early 1990s. The film aims to present what the filmmakers describe as “a riveting and honest portrayal” of Jackson’s life and legacy. King praised the lead actor’s performance, saying, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
The ensemble cast is rounded out by Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as longtime attorney John Branca, and Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, and others in key roles. Additional casting announcements include Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, and Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson. Supporting roles feature KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson 5 security chief Bill Bray and Kevin Shinick as television icon Dick Clark.
Michael Jackson’s eldest son, Prince Jackson, is also involved with the production, representing the family alongside his siblings. According to the producers, the expanded cast adds depth and context to the story of an artist whose influence reshaped popular music before his death in 2009 at age 50.
See the trailer for Michael – HERE.
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