Michael Biopic Early Reviews Spotlight Jaafar Jackson’s Performance
Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Bella
Michael, the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, reached theaters on April 24, 2026, with heavy attention on Jaafar Jackson’s performance as his famous uncle. Early conversation around the film has centered on Jackson’s transformation, the movie’s scale, and mixed reactions to how the story handles Michael Jackson’s life.
That anticipation has not come out of nowhere. The movie’s first trailer exploded online in late 2025, drawing 116.2 million views in its first 24 hours, which Lionsgate said was the biggest trailer launch in the studio’s history and the largest ever for a music biopic or concert film.
Why Jaafar Jackson Is Getting So Much Attention
A huge part of the interest around Michael has centered on Jaafar Jackson, who is making his feature acting debut in one of the most difficult roles imaginable. He is not just playing an icon. He is playing Michael Jackson, one of the most imitated and scrutinized entertainers in modern history.
So far, that gamble seems to be one of the film’s clearest wins. Early reactions and reviews have repeatedly singled out Jaafar as a standout. The New Yorker called attention to the performances even while criticizing the film overall, and Stereogum said what really elevates the movie is Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, describing it as genuinely outstanding.
That kind of response matters because the film’s entire emotional credibility depends on whether audiences believe him. At least in the early conversation, many people clearly do.
The Buzz Is Strong, but the Reviews Are Mixed
Where the conversation gets more complicated is the movie itself. While the performances and musical sequences are getting praise, several critics say the storytelling feels incomplete. The main criticism is that Michael focuses on Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 years through 1988, but avoids the allegations and controversies that defined much of the later public conversation around him.
People reported that Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, defended the film by saying it is intentionally focused on the earlier part of Michael’s life and is told through his perspective. But some reviewers have argued that this approach makes the movie feel sanitized. The New Yorker called it “all business” and criticized it for lacking psychological and social depth.
So the early buzz is not exactly split between love and hate. It is more specific than that: many viewers seem impressed by the spectacle and Jaafar’s transformation, while critics are more divided over how much of Michael Jackson’s life the movie is willing to confront.
A Massive Production With Big Stakes
The scale of Michael reflects how seriously the studio has treated this release. The reported budget has been listed around $165 million to $170 million, though some coverage has said it rose closer to $200 million after reshoots and reworking. The film premiered in Berlin on April 10 before heading into global release.
Beyond Jaafar Jackson, the cast includes Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Kat Graham, Laura Harrier, Mike Myers, and Juliano Valdi. That lineup alone signals that this was designed as one of the year’s biggest prestige music dramas, not a small niche biopic.
TL;DR
- Michael reached theaters on April 24, 2026, with major attention on Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of Michael Jackson.
- Early reactions have often praised Jackson’s performance.
- Reviews of the film itself are more mixed, especially around how much of Michael Jackson’s life it covers.
- The movie remains one of 2026’s biggest music biopic releases.
