What's in this guide
The Michael Jackson biopic arrived with a $155 million budget, a first-time actor in the lead, and years of delays behind it. It became one of the biggest music biopics ever made. Here is where to watch it, who plays who, and what the film actually covers.
Michael Release Date and Where to Watch
Michael opened in theatres and IMAX on April 24, 2026, with early access screenings from April 22. It is now available to rent or buy on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Lionsgate distributed the film in the United States, with Universal handling international release. No subscription streaming date has been announced yet.
What the Michael Jackson Biopic Covers
The film traces Jackson from his childhood under Joe and Katherine Jackson through his rise with the Jackson 5 and into his solo career. It runs 2 hours 7 minutes and is rated PG-13.
The scope is narrower than originally planned. Reporting indicated the film was retooled during production to conclude around Jackson leaving The Jacksons after 1979's Off the Wall, with a second film covering the rest of his career reportedly still in development. The third act was reworked because it had included a dramatisation of an individual whose settlement with Jackson's estate prohibited being depicted.
Around 30 songs feature, using remastered original recordings rather than re-recordings, including Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller and Ben.
Who Plays Who in Michael
- Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson — Michael's real-life nephew and Jermaine's son, in his feature debut
- Juliano Krue Valdi as the young Michael
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as attorney John Branca
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
- Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, with Mike Myers also appearing
Antoine Fuqua directs from a screenplay by John Logan, with Graham King producing. Casting Jaafar was a genuine risk — he had no prior acting credits — and Fuqua has said publicly he was uncertain until the first day of choreography.
How It Performed
Michael opened to $97.2 million domestically, breaking Straight Outta Compton's $60.2 million record for the biggest opening weekend for a music biopic.
More unusually, it reclaimed the number one spot in its fourth weekend with $26.1 million — a rare feat that indicates strong word of mouth rather than a front-loaded opening. Deadline's review praised the closing stretch, built around the Victory tour, the 1988 London concert and a performance of Bad.
There has been early awards conversation around several members of the ensemble, though nominations are months away.
A $97.2 million opening broke the music biopic record. Reclaiming number one in weekend four is the more telling number.
Where to Watch Michael
You can watch the Michael Jackson biopic on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital platforms, available to rent or buy. A subscription streaming home has not been announced. Lionsgate titles have historically landed on Starz, though nothing is confirmed for this film.
Is It Worth Watching?
The performances are the reason to watch. Jaafar carries a role that could easily have collapsed, and Juliano Krue Valdi as the young Michael has drawn as much praise as anyone in the cast.
Go in knowing the scope: this covers the early years and stops well before the periods most contested in Jackson's life. Whether that reads as focus or avoidance depends largely on what you want from a biopic.
Michael Jackson Biopic FAQ
Where can I watch Michael?
It is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital platforms. No subscription streaming date has been announced.
Who plays Michael Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson. It is his first acting role. Juliano Krue Valdi plays the younger Michael.
How long is Michael?
2 hours 7 minutes, rated PG-13.
Does the film cover the abuse allegations?
The film's third act was reworked during production, and it concludes around Jackson leaving The Jacksons after Off the Wall in 1979, before the periods those allegations relate to.
Is there a second Michael Jackson movie?
A second film covering the rest of his career has been reported as in development, but it has not been officially dated or confirmed.
Are the songs original recordings?
Yes. Around 30 remastered original Michael Jackson recordings are used, lip-synched by Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi.
For more recent releases, see our guides to Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Bride.
