The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has already made history long before its 2026 release, smashing global viewership records with its electrifying teaser trailer. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the trailer amassed an unprecedented 116.2 million views within its first 24 hours—a milestone that now crowns it the most-viewed music biopic trailer ever. According to analytics firm WaveMetrix, it also marks Lionsgate’s largest trailer launch to date, surpassing previous hits like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour and Bob Marley: One Love. Major outlets, including Variety, have highlighted the scale of this achievement.

Set for a cinematic release on April 24, 2026, “Michael” promises a rich, expansive look into the extraordinary life of the world’s most influential pop entertainer. The biopic aims to go beyond Jackson’s electric performances, exploring his evolution from a gifted child star with the Jackson Five to a boundary-pushing solo artist who reshaped global music and culture. With meticulously crafted performances and intimate storytelling, the film is expected to offer fans a rare, immersive window into the King of Pop’s world, a project widely covered by platforms like The Hollywood Reporter.

Front and center in this monumental film is Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s nephew—who makes his feature debut by stepping directly into his uncle’s iconic legacy. Expressing gratitude for the role, Jaafar shared on Instagram that he is “humbled” to bring Michael’s story to life. Producer Graham King, known for Bohemian Rhapsody, told Variety he immediately recognized Jaafar’s uncanny ability to capture Michael’s spirit during casting. King revealed that despite a worldwide search, Jaafar stood out as the only choice for the part, a sentiment echoed across entertainment media.

Supporting Jaafar is a standout cast featuring Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying young Michael. Behind the scenes, the film is powered by producers Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain—the same team behind iconic Jackson-linked projects like This Is It and Thriller 40. Early footage from the trailer shows Jaafar performing the moonwalk and re-creating moments from “Thriller,” igniting even more excitement among fans. Outlets such as Deadline note that anticipation is only growing as audiences await what may become one of the most significant music biopics ever made.