Michael Jackson
Released in 2026, the biographical film Michael follows Michael Jackson’s rise from childhood fame with the Jackson 5 through his transformation into one of the most iconic performers in music history. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film was made with the cooperation of the Jackson estate and several members of Jackson’s family, starring Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the King of Pop. The family’s deep involvement helped bring the film to life, positioning it as an authorized account of Jackson’s life, which has been subjected to immense public speculation and scrutiny.
Rather than compacting every detail of Jackson’s life into a single film, Michael concentrates on his early rise to superstardom, from Motown to his emergence as a solo artist throughout his Bad album era. Arguably, this angle contributed to the film’s success by transporting moviegoers to the peak of Jackson’s pop career, featuring the hit singles and choreography that magnified his stardom. Jaafar’s uncanny portrayal of Jackson brought another layer of connection to a role that required recreating one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment.
Michael surpassed $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing biopic ever and demonstrating the demand for stories about music legends. Lionsgate has already confirmed a sequel is in development.
As studios continue investing in musician-centered biopics, Michael demonstrates the power storytellers have to evoke nostalgia, allowing audiences to relive cherished memories with their favorite artists. At the same time, the film reveals the increasingly difficult balance of capturing an artist’s full life both on and off stage. Michael’s record-breaking performance illustrates how biopics remain one of Hollywood’s most powerful vehicles for revisiting cultural icons and capturing the hearts of audiences around the globe.