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The trailer for the biopic Michael has already become a global sensation, racking up over 116 million views in just one day. Amid widespread fascination and ongoing family controversies, the film raises questions about how we engage with the legacy of Michael Jackson.
At dawn on November 7, the numbers made headlines. Less than 24 hours after its release, the trailer for the biopic Michael had already racked up 116 million views worldwide. The figure is more than a digital milestone. It underscores Michael Jackson’s enduring presence in popular memory, fifteen years after his death, and places the King of Pop back at the center of a cultural debate that shows no sign of fading. According to WaveMetrix, no musical biopic trailer has ever reached such numbers, either from Lionsgate, the studio behind the project, or elsewhere.
Set for release in April 2026, the film is already generating buzz. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his skill with tension and pacing, the biopic features a cast designed to captivate. The project is produced by Oscar-winner Graham King, who was also behind the smash-hit biopic Bohemian Rhapsody about Freddie Mercury and Queen. His involvement has fueled high expectations among both fans and critics. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, steps into his uncle’s shoes with a resemblance that is both striking and uncanny. Colman Domingo plays the formidable Joe Jackson, while Nia Long and Kat Graham portray Katherine Jackson and Diana Ross. Miles Teller takes on the role of lawyer and strategist John Branca, and Kendrick Sampson plays producer Quincy Jones, the recently deceased mentor. With such a cast, the film promises to match the legend it portrays.
The project has not progressed without controversy. The script, scene selections, and edits imposed by the Jackson estate have all sparked tension. Several scenes were reshot, and the final act was completely rewritten, highlighting the difficulty of portraying a life as complex and contested as Michael Jackson’s. While the trailer offers a spectacular glimpse of the spotlight, shadows remain. The film navigates the line between celebrating Jackson’s creative genius and confronting the dramas, wounds, and controversies that marked his life.
The trailer opens with the voice of Quincy Jones, setting a tone of anticipation: “I know it's been a while that you've been waiting. The music is recorded. The lyrics are ready. All that's left is to get to work.” The line invites audiences to revisit the story of a child prodigy in the Jackson 5 who became one of the most influential and scrutinized icons of the 20th century. Footage moves between live performances, intimate rehearsals, studio sessions, and packed arenas, all underscored by Michael Jackson’s unmistakable voice. Jaafar Jackson’s gestures and intense gaze capture the imagination of millions of fans, promising a vivid portrayal of the superstar.
Global Fascination and Family Tensions
The trailer has also sparked debate. Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland, criticized the film, suggesting it could downplay allegations of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson. The third act of the movie was reportedly rewritten under the close supervision of the Jackson estate, which aimed to protect both the family’s memory and the integrity of the legacy. Every line, pause, and visual choice has been scrutinized.
The Jackson family remains divided. Paris Jackson, the singer’s daughter, has publicly questioned the script’s accuracy, expressing concern that it may not reflect the family’s truth. By contrast, Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, defended the project, emphasizing that even the most tragic life deserves to be told in its full complexity.
The scale of the biopic has prompted speculation that the film could be split into two parts, given the sheer amount of material. Adam Fogelson, president of Lionsgate, confirmed that the creative team is exploring options after shooting over three and a half hours of footage. This reflects both the richness and the challenge of capturing Michael Jackson’s life as a musical genius, a wounded child, and a tormented global icon.
The global reaction to the trailer confirms one thing: Michael Jackson remains an enigma, a figure who continues to fascinate, unsettle, and provoke debate.
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