Can any film truly capture the magic of Michael Jackson? Against all expectations, “Michael” (2026) doesn’t just try — it delivers a powerful, emotional, and visually spectacular tribute that is already sparking Oscar buzz worldwide.

Michael" is the highly anticipated 2026 biographical drama directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It chronicles the rise of Michael Jackson from his early days as the phenomenally gifted lead singer of the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, through his groundbreaking solo career with albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, up to the late 1980s.

Produced with involvement of the Jackson estate, the film stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael's nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson) in his feature debut as the King of Pop, alongside Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and cameo appearances by Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and others.

The Movie duration is about 128 minutes and available in theatres around the world as from April 24, 2026.

Gbenga Adebija of CBI News watched ‘Michael” at the XD Extreme Digital Cinema in Dallas, Texas and shared his views about the blockbuster movie.

CBI News : Does "Michael" capture the magic of the King of Pop?

Gbenga Adebija : Usually when there is so much hype around a movie there is always a possibility that it fails to live up to expectations. However “ Michael” delivers in spectacular fashion. The film is visually polished, with strong cinematography, authentic period recreation, great casting, costume detail, and fantastic sound quality. It is exactly what was promised and even more.

Everything about the movie, the production, the casting, the performances is a spectacular tribute to the genius of Michael Jackson.

CBI News : How did Jaafar Jackson perform in “ Michael” ? How do you rate his performance?

Gbenga Adebija : I think the only person who could have pulled off a credible and fitting tribute to the King of Pop was Jaafar Jackson. As a massive fan of Michael Jackson, it was a surreal experience seeing Jaafar on screen. He totally transformed into Michael Jackson and nailed it. Jaafar superbly executed all the dance moves, the unique charisma and stage presence of the King of Pop. People were in tears watching Jaafar and he definitely is in contention at the next Oscar Awards. He was really that good. However, Juliano Valdi who played Michael as a child also turned in an exceptional performance. Jaafar will rightfully receive a lot of the acclaim but Juliano was fantastic.

CBI News : Did any other members of the Jackson family appear in the movie?

Gbenga Adebija: Not in any starring roles but the movie had the full support of the family as well as the Jackson Estate.

Members of Michael Jackson’s immediate family attended several premieres around the world including his mother, Katherine Jackson, brothers, Jackie Jermaine and Marlon, nephews like Randy Jackson Jr and so on. Michael’s son Prince Michael Jackson was credited as Executive Producer of the movie.

CBI News : Any Nigerians in the movie?

Gbenga Adebija : Good question. There is a Nigerian-American actress called Nikelola Balogun who appears as Seidah Garrett, she co-wrote the song “ Man in the Mirror” and duetted with Michael Jackson on “ I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” which is on the Bad album. To be honest, it was just a brief appearance but Nikelola has previously featured in movies like Tell It Like a Woman, The Cove and Eyes Wide Open. I will be looking out for her in future now that I know her.

CBI News : So many controversies trailed Michael Jackson in life and in death, does the movie address any of these ?

Gbenga Adebija : Its really a feel-good movie for the millions of Michael Jackson fans around the world so very cleverly, it only spans his childhood right up the “Bad” album era which peaked around 1988 when Michael was at the height of his career before the controversies and allegations wrecked his life.

The closing credits include a teaser "His story continues," and there is already speculation about a sequel which might address that era of his life. Hollywood always follows up bombshell flicks with a sequel so the likelihood of another movie on Michael Jackson is very possible.

Movie Information

“Michael” stars Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo

Release date : April 24 2026

Director : Antoine Fuqua

Producers : John Branca, Graham King, John McClain

Screenplay : John Logan

Running Time : 2hrs 8M

Budget : 155M USD

Grossed : 300M USD (as of April ending)