The first teaser trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has amassed over 30 million views in its initial six hours following its release on November 6, 2025. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film chronicles the singer's life from his Jackson 5 days to his death in 2009. Lionsgate executives hinted at potential plans for a sequel during an earnings call.
Trailer Release and Reception
Lionsgate released the first teaser trailer for 'Michael' on November 6, 2025, ahead of its theatrical debut with 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't.' The trailer features Jaafar Jackson portraying his uncle, showcasing scenes from Michael Jackson's early career with the Jackson 5, studio sessions with Quincy Jones (played by Kendrick Sampson), and iconic moments tied to hits like 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin',' 'Beat It,' and 'Thriller.' It opens with Jones telling Jackson, 'I know you've been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let's take it from the top.'
In the first six hours, the trailer garnered over 30 million views, surpassing John Wick: Chapter 4's initial performance by 50%, as reported by Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson during the studio's earnings call on November 7, 2025.
Cast and Production Details
The biopic stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, with Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. Written by John Logan and produced by John Branca, Graham King, and John McClain, the film was announced in 2022, with Jaafar Jackson cast in 2023. Production paused due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but wrapped in May 2024, followed by reshoots.
Originally slated for October 3, 2025, 'Michael' is now set for theatrical and IMAX release on April 24, 2026. The project involves Michael Jackson's estate.
Sequel Rumors
The film was initially planned as one but split into two parts due to its 3.5-hour runtime and legal constraints from a settlement with one of Jackson's accusers, prohibiting dramatization of certain events. Fogelson addressed sequel plans, stating, 'We've had the great pleasure of seeing the director's cut of the first film, and it is exceptional.' He added, 'While we're not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we're in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.' Fogelson praised Jaafar Jackson's performance, noting, 'People have been waiting a long time for this... I think people are stunned with Jaafar's (Jackson's) performance.' Reports suggest the trailer presents it as a single film, though a split remains rumored.
