The Michael Movie Has Danced Its Way Onto Our Screens
By Delaina Dixon | April 24, 2026 | Diva Approved
The wait is finally over: the Michael movie is out today, April 24! Get ready to moonwalk down memory lane as we witness the King of Pop’s journey from childhood prodigy to global sensation.
This isn’t your standard biopic. It’s a glossy, focused snapshot of a specific time in Michael Jackson’s life, highlighting the intense relationship between a Black father and son and pinpointing what it took for the singer-songwriter to pull away and live his own life.
The opening date isn’t random either: On April 24, 2002, Michael Jackson performed his last live show at the Apollo Theater in New York City.
Judah Edwards as Tito, Jaylen Hunter as Marlon, Juliano Krue Valdi as MJ, Nathaniel McIntyre as Jackie and Jayden Harville as Jermaine.
The film focuses heavily on Michael’s relationship with his father, Joe, and the quiet complacency of his mother, Katherine. Because of this, the movie skips much of the more controversial areas of Michael’s later life. Some critics might call that a cop-out for missing Michael’s “good, bad and ugly,” as originally promised by director Antoine Fuqua, but what we do get is a front-row seat to Michael’s genius in music and performance.
Jaafar Jackson in Michael
And speaking of performance… Michael is played by his very own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, and the family resemblance is stunning. It’s evident that he wanted to pay homage to his uncle as he put much care and effort into recreating his uncle’s voice, mannerisms, and movements. It’s the film debut breakout moment people can’t stop talking about.
L to R: Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Graham King, Jermaine Jackson.
From his bond with his second-father figure, Bill Bray, to the way he integrated MTV and the heart-wrenching accident that caused his dependency on meds, it’s all there. And of course, Michael wouldn’t be who he is without the Jackson 5. The film also highlights his famous brothers, who performed alongside him. The talent, which includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Larenz Tate, Deon Cole, Mike Myers, and more, soars.
If you love seeing stars play stars, Michael is your weekend watch!
Photo credits: Lionsgate; young Jackson 5 and Jafaar Jackson in Michael: Glen Wilson for Lionsgate; Jackson family in front of mural: Brian Ach/Getty Images for Lionsgate
