We’ve had a long trend of doing musical biopics in Hollywood, and it was about time we got one for the king of pop. Lionsgate put it together, and after multiple delays and reshoots its finally here. Michael arrives wrapped in expectation, curiosity, and just a little bit of skepticism. Michael’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is playing him while making his feature debut. Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller also star.
A film about Michael Jackson was never going to be straightforward—especially in an era where legacy, controversy, and fandom constantly collide. With Antoine Fuqua at the helm and the backing of the Jackson estate, the conversation around the film has been just as loud as the marketing: how much will it show, what will it avoid, and where does it draw the line between tribute and truth? Add to that the casting of Jaafar Jackson—a move that instantly sparked intrigue—, and you have a biopic that feels less like a traditional retelling and more like a carefully managed event.
Michael arrives carrying enormous cultural weight, and to its credit, it understands the assignment—at least on a surface level. Fuqua leans heavily into the glamour, spectacle, and the aura that defined Michael Jackson, crafting a feature that often feels like a tribute concert stitched into a narrative. The film opens on a strong note, diving into his teenage years with a sense of urgency and emotional grounding that the rest of the film struggles to maintain. From there, the movie becomes a showcase of dynamic sound, electrifying stage recreations, and tracks that remind you why his music remains timeless.
A huge part of what makes the film work is Jaafar Jackson, who channels Michael Jackson. There’s a physicality and rhythm to his performance that feels authentic without slipping into caricature. It’s a difficult line to walk, and Jaafar pulls it off with impressive control. There is a scene early on where a music producer is listening to Michael singing, and he can’t help but admire his talent, and that’s how I felt for most of Jaafar’s performance.
That said, the real standout here is Colman Domingo, who brings gravitas and emotional texture whenever he’s on screen. His performance cuts through the film’s otherwise glossy tone, offering glimpses of the more complicated story the movie hesitates to fully explore. On the other hand, Miles Teller is underutilized, leaving you hoping the teased sequel gives him more room to make an impact.
Technically, the film shines in several departments. The hair and makeup work is exceptional, capturing different eras of Michael’s life with remarkable precision. It’s one of the film’s most immersive elements, helping sell the illusion even when the narrative falters. The music, unsurprisingly, is used incredibly well—each track is placed with intent, elevating moments that might otherwise feel hollow. The VFX, however, doesn’t always keep up with the film’s ambition and occasionally pulls you out of the experience.
Where Michael stumbles most is in its storytelling. The script is surprisingly bland for a subject this complex, rarely digging beneath the surface to find emotional depth. There are moments where you expect the film to hit hard—to confront, to challenge, to say something meaningful—but those moments never quite land. Instead, the movie plays it very safe. You can clearly feel the influence of the Jackson family over the final cut. It is very evident that aspects of his personality and his journey have been completely avoided or bypassed.
This becomes even more apparent in the second half, which almost dissolves into a montage of concert sequences. While these moments are undeniably entertaining and nostalgic, they come at the cost of narrative momentum. The film shifts from storytelling to spectacle, and while that might satisfy fans looking for a musical high, it leaves a noticeable emotional void. There are no real punches here—no moments that linger or challenge your perception of the man behind the legend.
Michael largely succeeds at what it sets out to do: celebrate the music and legacy of the King of Pop. It hits the right nostalgic notes, especially for those who grew up listening to his songs. It is ambitious and knows how to keep an audience engaged through sheer charisma and energy. The setup for a sequel is clear, and there’s potential for a deeper, more layered exploration moving forward—if the filmmakers are willing to take risks.
For now, Michael is worth a watch despite all its shortcomings. Not because it tells the definitive story, but because it reminds you why that story matters in the first place. While it remains a surface-level biopic, it stands out among recent entries in the musical biopic genre thanks to its spectacle and performances. The studio has reportedly set a target of $700m to greenlight a sequel, which I fully expect this movie to make and make pretty comfortably.
