'Michael' biopic: What to know about the cast, Jackson family reaction
A new film about Michael Jackson is set to hit theaters this week, bringing renewed attention to the life and legacy of the late music superstar.
"Michael," a biographical drama premiering Friday, follows Jackson's journey from his early days performing with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global pop superstar.
The film aims to capture both his groundbreaking career and the personal complexities that shaped his life.
Jackson, whose legacy as the "King of Pop" was marred by allegations of child molestation and at times bizarre behavior, died in 2009. His death was ruled a homicide caused by acute propofol intoxication, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.
Nearly two decades later, the movie about his life, "Michael," is generating headlines ahead of its release with its high-profile cast and direct ties to the Jackson family.
What is the film about?
"Michael" traces the arc of Jackson's decades-spanning career, featuring the milestones that defined his place in music history from chart-topping albums and record-breaking tours to his lasting influence on pop culture.
The film is expected to explore both the public and private sides of the singer's life, offering audiences a closer look at the man behind the music.
A synopsis promises a "riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop."
Who stars in the film?
At the center of the project is Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, who takes on the role of his late uncle in his feature film debut.
The casting marks a rare instance of a family member portraying a globally recognized figure in a major studio film.
The film also features a star-studded ensemble cast portraying key figures in Jackson's life and career.
Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson, the family's matriarch, while Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, the father and manager who helped launch the Jackson 5.
Miles Teller appears as John Branca, Jackson's longtime attorney, and Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who played a key role in the group’s early success.
Additional cast members include Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, both of whom were closely tied to Jackson's music career.
Actors will also portray members of the Jackson family across different stages of their lives, reflecting the group's evolution from a young Motown act into global stars.
Family support and mixed reactions
The film has drawn notable support from parts of the Jackson family and Michael Jackson's estate, particularly due to Jaafar Jackson's casting in the lead role.
Katherine Jackson, the singer's mother, has previously praised the decision, saying in a statement when Jaafar Jackson was cast in the role in 2023 that he "embodies" her son.
"It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers," she said at the time.
Michael Jackson's eldest child, Prince Jackson, served as an executive producer on the film, but his siblings Bigi and Paris Jackson were not involved.
"Michael" producer Graham King said in an interview this month with The Hollywood Reporter that Prince Jackson was "on set everyday" during the filming of the movie and was involved in the film’s development.
While Bigi Jackson attended the film's premiere in Germany, Paris Jackson has previously criticized the project.
She took to social media to share her reaction, writing last year that she, "read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest / didn't sit right with me and when they didn't address it i moved on with my life," according to People.
One of Michael Jackson's sisters, music star Janet Jackson, also declined to participate in the movie.
Speaking at the film's premiere, La Toya Jackson addressed her sister Janet Jackson's decision.
"I wish everybody was in the movie," La Toya Jackson told Variety on Monday. "She was asked, and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes."
La Toya Jackson also praised Jaafar Jackson's performance, saying he "was absolutely fabulous."
"I'm sure you've seen the movie and you know how wonderful he is, how we all forget and think that we're watching Mike. It's like, 'Oh, I forgot this is Jaafar,'" she added.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, "Michael" arrives in theaters on Friday, April 24.
