Michael Jackson biopic trailer goes down well with critics at CinemaCon

A surprise look at Michael, the forthcoming biopic based on the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson has received positive reviews.

The film will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who is known for films including Training Day, The Equalizer and Brooklyn’s Finest and is set to star Michael Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson in the lead role.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s trailer began with a peek at the Jackson 5 performing their hit song ‘ABC’ on TV followed by a cut to a 90s-era concert of Jackson performing ‘Man in the Mirror’. Images of a masked Jackson being hounded by both fans and paparazzi are also shown.

The trailer also shows Jaafar as Michael, capturing his striking features and his dancing and stage presence. “You never were like anyone else,” Jackson’s mother – portrayed by Nia Long –  says at one point in the clip.

Producer Graham King revealed the project will feature over 30 songs and teased it would lean on the longer side in order to do the music star’s story justice.

“Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the blinding media spotlight, he was simply a man. A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it,” King said.

Michael has been confirmed to receive a theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025, per production house Lionsgate. A UK release date is yet to be announced.

The film also stars Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as manager John Branca.

Michael‘s trailer has yet to be release to the public. King confirmed that they are at the midway point of production on the film. “We are incredibly proud of this movie. I’m looking forward to giving to the audience a film like they’ve never seen before,” King said.

He also shared: “When you mention his name, everyone has an opinion. For the first time … generations of moviegoers will come together to experience an inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived.”

In other news, the children of late pop icon recently attended the premiere of the West End production MJ The Musical.

The musical has transferred to the UK following its success in the US – where it was made in collaboration with the Jackson estate and has gone on to earn 10 Tony award nominations.

Elsewhere, it was revealed that one of the singer’s original ‘Thriller’ jackets from 1983 is available to buy now via an online auction, and expected to fetch up to $500,000 (£400,000).

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