Michael

The global anticipation surrounding the Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, has reached a fever pitch, and the release of the first official teaser trailer has finally offered us a glimpse into the ambitious project. Directed by the formidable Antoine Fuqua and penned by the acclaimed John Logan, this is not just another music film; it’s being pitched as the definitive cinematic examination of one of the world's most complex and celebrated figures.

The teaser itself is a masterclass in atmosphere, trading quick cuts for a sense of dramatic weight and rising tension. What we see and hear suggests a focus not just on the spectacle, but on the relentless pressure and meticulous preparation that defined the man. Voices are heard setting the stage: "I know you've been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready," a line that speaks both to the audience's thirst for this story and Jackson’s own commitment to his craft. The trailer captures the controlled environment of a professional studio or rehearsal space, hinting at the perfectionist beneath the sequins and glove. A particularly telling moment is the instruction, "Q, can you lower the lights for me please... but remember in here, keep those feet still, my man," which suggests the contrast between the private, grounded individual and the visionary who would go on to electrify stadiums.

The creative pedigree attached to Michael is formidable. With Fuqua, the director of Training Day, at the helm and Oscar-winning producer Graham King (The Departed, Bohemian Rhapsody) overseeing the production, audiences can expect a drama with significant cinematic scope and an unflinching eye. Logan's screenplay promises to trace Jackson's journey from the childhood prodigy leading the Jackson Five to the creative force who redefined global entertainment. The film promises a front-row seat to his life "beyond the music," balancing the legendary, iconic performances with an insight into his life off-stage.

However, the real focus of the conversation surrounding this film has always been the casting of Michael’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his feature film debut. The decision is a fascinating move, suggesting a deep commitment to capturing the spirit and movement of the King of Pop. The teaser allows only a hint of his transformation, but the familial connection adds an immediate layer of authenticity and tremendous pressure to the performance.

Jaafar is joined by an impressive ensemble, including two-time Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo and Miles Teller, signalling that this is a serious character study with heavy-hitting dramatic talent involved.

While the film’s narrative is clear—it’s the story of his life, tracing his "extraordinary talent" and "relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world"—the teaser trailer cleverly maintains its mystery. It leaves us with the feeling of a story about to begin, a massive undertaking that aims to honour the past while embracing a future where Jackson’s legacy is re-examined through a powerful, cinematic lens.

Michael is set to arrive in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on the 24th of April 2026, and based on this compelling first look, the world will indeed be waiting.