The new Michael Jackson movie “Michael” is one of the most anticipated biopics of 2026, telling the story of how Michael Jackson became one of the most famous pop stars in the world. The movie, released in theaters on April 24, follows Michael Jackson’s journey from performing and serving as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 as a child to becoming the “King of Pop.”

The movie mostly highlights Michael Jackson’s albums like “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” ending around the late 80s rather than covering his full life. Michael Jackson is portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, Jermain Jackson’s son, in his acting debut.

One of the more praised parts of the movie is Jaafar Jackson’s performance in the movie because of the accuracy to Michael Jackson’s voice, dance moves, and appearance. The film recreates famous performances like his Motown 25 “Billie Jean” performance and the creation of the “Thriller” music video. This allowed the audience to connect with Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal as Michal Jackson.

The audience is most interested in how the movie shows Michael Jackson’s personal side of his life. Beyond the fame, he faced many issues and media attention throughout his whole life, including personal struggles, and the constant pressure from being the main attraction in the Jackson family since childhood. The film also shows his messy relationship with his father and the challenges he had to face in order to be a solo artist and take over pop for decades to come. 

Overall, as the release date approaches, fans are getting more and more excited about the movie and learning more about the life and legacy left by the late great Michael Jackson. The film’s attention to detail and commitment to authenticity are sure to make it a hit with audiences, and its impact will likely be felt for years to come.