The Michael Jackson Biopic: All About the Fictionalized Retelling of the Popstar's Life

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The story ofMichael Jackson’s life and career is being adapted for the big screen.

In January 2023, it was announced thatLionsgate was working on a biopicaboutthe King of Pop, which willsimply be titledMichael.

Since then, more details have been announced about the project, including the actor playing the titular role. Stepping into the iconic shoes of the musician isJackson’s own nephew Jaafar Jackson,who is the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson.

The film comes on the heels of the success of Broadway‘sMJ: The Musical, which chronicles the “Bad” singer’s creative process, focusing on his preparation for his 1992DangerousWorld Tour. The show, which scored four Tony Awards in 2022, premiered in Februray 2022 withMyles Frostand kicked off its first national tour in August 2023 withRoman Wellington Banks.

From the release date to the cast, here’s everything to know aboutMichael.

Who is in the cast of the Michael Jackson biopic?

Araya Diaz/Getty, Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty

Jackson’s 27-year-old nephew Jaafar is set to play him in the new movie.“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,“director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement toVariety. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”

Jaafar was selected for the role after a worldwide casting search was conducted, of which producer Graham King said, “It was clear thathe is the only personto take on this role.”

In January 2024, Lionsgate announced that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi had been cast to portray a young Jackson, since the film covers his rise to fame with his brothers in the Jackson 5.

Towards the end of the month, it was announced that Oscar-nominated,Rustinactor Colman Domingo was cast as Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson. Producer King said the actor “has such incredible range” and is “grateful to be working” with him on the project.

Playing the Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson will be Nia Long, who called her character “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” She added, “As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”

Rounding out the rest of the Jackson 5 group will be Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie.

Miles Teller is also set to play John Branca, who became Michael’s manager after Joe Jackson, and was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist — notably with the release of “Thriller.”

What will the Michael Jackson biopic be about?

Tito, Jackie, Michael, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson of Jackson 5.Fin Costello/Redferns

Fin Costello/Redferns

According to the film’s official synopsis, “Michaelwill bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”

The biographical movie is set to cover all aspects of the singer’s life, however, it is currently unknown whether the film will address Jackson’s controversies including allegations of child sex abuse levied against Jackson that were most recently publicly detailed inthe 2019 documentary filmLeaving Neverland.

Who is directing the Michael Jackson biopic?

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

What has Michael Jackson’s family said about the Michael Jackson biopic?

Jermaine Jackson and Katherine Jackson during an announcement of the upcoming Jackson family reunion special “Jackson Family Honors” on August 30th 1993.Dave Hogan/Getty

Dave Hogan/Getty

In addition to having Jackson’s estate involved as producers, the movie has already gotten the seal of approval from those closest to the singer, including his mother Katherine, who said that Jaafar “embodies” her son.

“It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,“she toldThe Hollywood Reporter.

When did filming begin for the Michael Jackson biopic?

Michael Jackson performs at the Super Bowl XXVII Halftime show at the Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California.Steve Granitz/ WireImage/ Getty Images

When will the Michael Jackson biopic be released?

FRANCIS Sylvain/AFP via Getty

The film will be released worldwide on Oct. 3, 2025, perThe Hollywood Reporter. Lionsgate previously planned for an April 2025 release but announced a six-month delay in November 2024.

source: people.com