Michael Jackson will be back on the big screen on April 18, 2025 with “Michael,” a biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the late King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in his first major role.
Welcome Back, Michael
As The Hollywood Reporter explains, “the film will cover his entire life and career, which includes his beginnings with The Jackson Five, a rise to pop superstardom and, later in life, legal struggles with both civil and criminal lawsuits stemming from allegations of child sex abuse. Jackson died in 2009 at age 50.”
Lionsgate is releasing the movie domestically, while Universal is handling overseas distribution. The film will begin production on Jan. 22.
Lionsgate has announced that Michael is set to hit theatres on April 18, 2025 globally.
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” reads the movie’s official synopsis. “The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
The script was penned by John Logan (Gladiator) and produced by Graham King, who brought Freddie Mercury’s life to the big screen with the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody. This reunites Logan and King, who worked together on Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator.
The film’s official synopsis reads as, “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Last year Fuqua praised Jaafar Jackson for his ability to channel the King of Pop to Entertainment Weekly.
“It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael,” the director said. “Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.”