The Michael Jackson biopic from Lionsgate and Universal is looking to thrill audiences next year.
Director Antoine Fuqua‘s Michael is set to hit theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026, after delaying its release several times, most recently having been dated for the fall of 2025. Marking his feature debut is Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role as the pop music icon. Lionsgate is distributing the movie domestically, while Universal handles the global launch.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Michael was set for 22 days of additional photography to take place in June. Sources noted at the time that the film, initially intended to span the star’s life and have a lengthy run time, was now expected to end with Jackson leaving his family’s group The Jacksons after the release of his first solo album, 1979’s Off the Wall.
Puck reported in January that Michael’s previously planned third act had to be retooled, due to it including a dramatization of an individual who accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. The accuser had a past settlement with the performer’s estate stipulating that he would never be dramatized.
Sources tell THR that a second film, focusing on the rest of Jackson’s career, remains in development. Jackson certainly accomplished a lot in the music world after 1979, given that his 1982 album, Thriller, featuring singles “Beat It” and “Billie Jean,” remains the best-selling album ever. Jackson died in June 2009 at age 50.
Michael’s cast includes Colman Domingo as the star’s father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as his mother, Katherine. Rounding out the cast are Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate and Derek Luke. Graham King, John Branca and John McClain produce the movie that has a script from John Logan.
Footage from Michael debuted at CinemaCon last year, with producer King revealing that the film would include 30 songs. At this year’s CinemaCon in April, Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson teased the audience that news about the project would be forthcoming but did mention a release date. Michael had previously been scheduled to hit theaters in April 2025 before shifting its release to October of this year.
“Ever since we debuted some early Michael footage at CinemaCon last year, it’s been crystal clear how much global interest and enthusiasm there is,” Fogelson said in April. “Much has happened since, and while we aren’t quite ready to share more, we’re going to have some very big and exciting things to say in the coming weeks. So be patient, and stay tuned.”
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