‘Michael’ trailer drops amid growing backlash over Michael Jackson’s portrayal

Highlights:

• First trailer for Michael released after reports of reshoots and delays
• Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, plays the pop icon
• Film promises to “humanise but not sanitise” the late singer
• Jackson’s daughter Paris denies involvement, calls script “dishonest”

First trailer for Michael finally released

The long-awaited first trailer for Michael, the biopic about pop legend Michael Jackson, has been unveiled following months of speculation about behind-the-scenes challenges.

Filming wrapped in May 2024, but the movieinitially scheduled for an April 2025 releasefaced multiple delays due to reshoots in mid-2024. The release is now slated for April 2026, ending rumours that the project had been split into two parts.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), the film features a screenplay by Oscar-nominated writer John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator).

Jaafar Jackson takes on iconic role

In a case of art imitating life, the late star’s nephew Jaafar Jackson portrays his uncle in the biopic. The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, with Miles Teller, Nia Long, and Laura Harrier in supporting roles.

Producer Graham King, known for Bohemian Rhapsody, said the goal was to present “the most compelling, unbiased story possible.” He added, “Michael’s life was complicated. I want to humanise but not sanitise him.”

Criticism over portrayal of allegations

The project has been met with controversy, particularly regarding its treatment of sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Filmmaker Dan Reed, who directed the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, criticised an early draft of the script, calling it “startlingly disingenuous.”

He claimed the film portrays Jackson as a caregiver to sick children while dismissing accusations of abuse.

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Paris Jackson distances herself from film

Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris publicly denied any involvement with the production, responding to comments made by actor Colman Domingo suggesting family support.

“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had zero percent involvement in,” she wrote on Instagram. Paris said she had read an early version of the script but chose not to participate after her feedback was ignored, calling it “dishonest” and “pandering” to certain fans.

A costly gamble for Lionsgate

With a reported budget of $155 million, Michael marks one of the most expensive music biopics ever made. Its release comes on the heels of a string of underperforming musician biopics, including the Bruce Springsteen film, which earned just $31 million globally.

Michael is set to release in April 2026, with anticipation and debate continuing to surround its portrayal of one of pop music’s most complex figures.