Films like A Complete Unknown and Bohemian Rhapsody have received a lot of critical and commercial success thanks to their popular subject matter. Biographical films about giants in the music industry seem to be the latest niche that studios are hedging all their Academy Award hopes on. Lately, there has been a large influx of character-driven, biographical dramas, and Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, is looking to not only make good on those expectations but also exceed them. 

Portraying his uncle on-screen, Jaafar Jackson’s performance has already drawn a lot of praise online, with fans anticipating another hit along the lines of the Rami Malek-starrer Bohemian Rhapsody. However, there is much to talk about what the teaser has revealed, and the unique position that its lead talent finds himself in. 

Michael wishes to tell a nuanced story about the pop star’s career and personal life

Bringing in 100 million+ views for its teaser in the first 24 hours, Michael marks one of Lionsgate’s biggest teaser debuts in recent memory. The official synopsis of the film reads: 

“The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”

While the film seems to be focusing on the high points of Michael Jackson’s career and his personal life, there are some issues that the film is going to explore that might not be as positive as the synopsis makes them out to be. While the production team behind he film has mentioned time and time again that they want to project an unbiased view of the pop-star, even diving deep into child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson, the star’s own daughter, Paris, has stated that the screenplay is dishonest, but would be something that fans enjoy, as reported by the Guardian in September. 

Coleman Domingo said that Paris Jackson was in favour of the film 

Coleman Domingo, who is set to essay the role of Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, spoke to People Magazine about how helpful the children of Michael Jackson have been during the production of the film. He said: 

“They’re very much in support of our film. I’m excited to be here at amfAR tonight with Paris. It feels like that’s a nice way for us to be together.”

While Domingo was all praises for Paris and Prince, the former had a completely different story to share. Paris Jackson said, taking to her Instagram:

“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had zero per cent involvement in lol that is so weird.”

Jackson also revealed that she was given the first draft of the script to review, which she felt was dishonest. When her concerns were not addressed, she decided to move on from the project. 

Paris Jackson expanded on her concerns in her Instagram stories 

Despite the film being produced in collaboration with the Jackson Estate, Paris Jackson has some words about the nature of the film. She was especially critical of the way in which Hollywood has been making biopics, calling them ‘sugar-coated’, as reported by The Guardian. In her Instagram story, she said: 

“A big section of the film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it.”

It is safe to say that there is a lot of controversy around the film, despite the overwhelming love and support that the initial teaser of the film has received. Things are further muddled by the fact that Michael Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will be essaying the role of the pop star, being an accomplished musician himself. This will be the singer’s feature-length film debut. Katherine Jackson was all praises for Jaafar Jackson portraying her son, as Variety reported. She said:

“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”

It remains to be seen how the film depicts the late pop legend, but there have been talks about how it will tackle the numerous allegations that were leveled against Michael Jackson. The Thriller singer had denied these allegations and maintained his innocence until the time of his death in 2009. 

Michael’s release is hotly anticipated- but there is a looming controversy around it too

While enthusiasm for the film’s release in 2026 is visible among fans and critics alike, comments made by Jackson’s daughter and the endorsement that the film has received from the estate of the late singer might have the effect of splitting the fandom that the film wishes to cater to. While there have been comments that have been made about the film’s subject matter being unbiased, accusations of sugar coating still mar the film’s image in front of the public. However, the film’s star power and a tight script may be able to deliver an experience for the audience that allows them to not only relive the glory days of one of the biggest stars in the world, 

The teaser for the film has managed to generate a lot of online traffic, and it seems appropriate given the subject matter of the film. There is little doubt about how the film’s release might not be as clean as the studio expects it to be, but there is also a lot of support for Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle, which might just launch a career in film for the young musician. 

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Michael is set to hit theatres on April 24, 2026. 

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