Friday, June 19, 2026

Michael Jackson Biopic Coming as One Film in April 2026, Will Probably Celebrate Music and Avoid Legal Problems

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A decision has finally been made about the Michael Jackson biopic.

Lionsgate has set a release for April 24, 2026.

“Michael” will be one film, not two. It will likely be a celebration of Jackson’s music and avoid the legal troubles that plagued him starting in 1993.

The Antoine Fuqua directed film will cover the beginnings of the Jackson Five through Michael’s triumphs with “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.”

The movie has been delayed as everyone involved debated what to release — a two parter, a film that covered allegations against Michael, etc.

But the best thing for fans and the Estate is to not address any of that. Michael’s music has overcome the craziness. As time passes, the legal difficulties fade from memory. If you’re interested in what came later, watch a decent documentary (not “Leaving Neverland”).

Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew (Jermaine’s son) plays the King of Pop. The great John Logan wrote the screenplay. Other actors include Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s parents, plus Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke.

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Roger Friedman
Roger Friedman
Roger Friedman is the founder and editor-in-chief of Showbiz411. He wrote the FOX411 column on FoxNews.com from 1999 to 2009, where he covered Michael Jackson, and previously wrote the "Intelligencer" column at New York magazine in the mid-1990s, where he covered the O.J. Simpson trial. He also edited Fame magazine. His bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, Vogue, Details, and the Miami Herald. He is a voting member of the Critics Choice Awards (Film and Television branches), and his movie reviews are tracked by Rotten Tomatoes. With D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, he co-produced the 2002 documentary "Only the Strong Survive," which screened at Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.

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