Lionsgate unveils Michael Jackson biopic teaser, opens April 24, 2026

Lionsgate on Thursday released the first teaser for Michael, an upcoming biopic of Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the singer's nephew Jaafar Jackson, and confirmed the film will open in theaters on April 24, 2026. The studio said the teaser offers an early look at Jackson's journey from child star with the Jackson Five to the solo artist behind landmark records and performances.

The preview, set to Jackson's 1982 hit "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," depicts studio sessions and rehearsal footage, including scenes with Quincy Jones, played in the film by Kendrick Sampson, as the creative team prepares the Thriller era material. The teaser also flashes through several of Jackson's signature moments and moves, referencing the Thriller music video and the moonwalk. A line heard in the clip says, "The tracks are made. The songs are ready. Let's take it from the top," and another voice says, "This is your story."

Jaafar Jackson, making his feature-film debut in the role, leads a cast that includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer and adviser John Branca, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, Derek...