Latest from CinemaBlend in Michael-jackson

The Sequel To Michael Could Be Much Darker Than The First Movie. Here's Why I Don't Think It Will Be

Rich Knight — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0000

When Michael turned out to be a box office hit, you better believe that a sequel was greenlit almost immediately. I mean, you could tell that the studio was banking on success just by the way we're told that “His story continues” at the end of the first movie, which really isn’t all that subtle when it comes to hinting at a sequel.

And, we’re getting one. However, the first movie, which the fans loved, but the critics weren’t so hot on, kind of played it safe. Yes, we did see a tyrannical Joe Jackson, and it did touch upon Michael’s vitiligo, but it definitely wasn’t the in-depth biopic that I was hoping for, and focused entirely on Jackson’s mostly scandal-free early career.

The sequel, however, would likely tackle Jackson during his most controversial era. This could make the sequel far darker than the first movie, but I don’t think that's the way things will go. Here’s why.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

First, I Don't Think They’re Going To Delve That Deeply Into The Sexual Allegations (If At All)

Believe it or not, the first movie initially had a third act that addressed the sexual allegations against Michael Jackson, but it wasn't until after the fact that all involved realized the footage couldn't be used, so the whole third act had to be changed. Fine and good.

Now, I know a lot of people grumbled that the first movie handled Jackson with kid gloves because it didn't get into all of the allegations, but the studio was literally not allowed to touch that subject as it concerned allegations concerning a 13-year-old named Jordan Chandler, and the Jackson estate made a pledge to never “dramatize” his story.

To that end, I think the sequel will take a similar approach. Judging by the audience's 97% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, it appears as if most of Jackson's fans are perfectly content with a film that focuses more on the music than aspects that might be viewed as more questionable.

As somebody who grew up following Jackson's career, I feel in a lot of ways like it's kind of impossible to not go into the allegations, because how how weighed down the latter half of Jackson's career was by sexual accusations. That said, even though some people wonder where the backlash is in the biopic I think the studio will wisely moonwalk around that touchy subject as much as possible, since the fan response doesn't seem to want a movie that gets into stuff like that.

In fact, if anything, I think the allegations (if they’re in the sequel at all) will be way in the background, because even though Joe Jackson was undeniably the main antagonist in the first movie, I think the second film will have a different “big bad.”

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

In Fact, I Think The Main Antagonist This Time Around Will Be The Media

If the first movie was anything, it was a love letter to Michael Jackson. Michael seemed like somebody who had to stand up against his father to become his own man, and as far as movie narratives go, that's a fine one.

However, later in Jackson's career, his biggest antagonist seemed to be the media itself, which hounded him until the end of his life. And, I think the media makes for an interesting “villain” if that's the direction the sequel might go in. Journalists used to dog him on his lightened skin tone (which I'll get into later), which would definitely be a good counterpoint to how important it was for him to succeed as a Black artist in the first film. The idea that the media used to call his race into question could be a good portion of the story.

I also think that the sexual allegations could be touched upon (but mostly avoided since the “ugliest” chapters of his life can't be shown, as per his estate), but I do think his marriages could be brought up, and how the media handled them. This could be another aspect where the audience could rally behind Michael and the media could be viewed as antagonistic to his journey.

Do I think this is the best approach? It depends. Watching old interviews with Michael, it does often seem like he was constantly doing his best to be polite to extremely personal questions, but I don't just want the media to be viewed as one-dimensional, either. We'll see if the sequel takes this approach at all, though.

(Image credit: Harpo Productions)

I Also Think His Skin-Tone Transition Will Be A Major Storyline This Time

While I do theorize the media will be a major antagonistic force in this sequel, I also think MJ's skin transition and surgeries will be another major aspect of this film. In the first movie, his vitiligo is touched upon, and he’s seen covering it up with make-up. Well, I surmise that this will be the storyline that will replace the sexual allegations as it in itself could provide a sort of internal and external conflict for Michael.

I would say that this is a safer course to approach since it makes Michael look sympathetic. When he was interviewed by Oprah, it definitely looked painful for Michael to discuss the change in his pigmentation, and to address why he was now “white.”

Or, and I really don’t think they want to go there (especially since Jermaine Jackson’s son, Jaafar, PLAYS Michael), but they could also go into how Michael’s own family questioned Michael’s cosmetic changes, as heard in Jermaine Jackson’s diss track, “Word to the Badd!”

Now, as you can see, none of this is really “dark” material like child molestation allegations. It’s petty, sure, and it paints Michael as a victim, absolutely, but none of it puts Michael in a negative light. And, if the first film is any indication of how the Jackson estate wants Michael’s legacy to be remembered, I think this would likely be the course to go. But, I haven’t even mentioned the music yet!

(Image credit: Epic Records)

There's Also Plenty Of Other Music And Major Events To Cover Here To Mirror The First Film

Spoiler alert, but the first film ends with Michael having his first solo tour in 1988. This puts him right at the Bad album. However, in the ‘90s, Jackson released Dangerous, which was a departure from his previous three albums since he didn’t work with Quincy Jones.

This in itself is worth a whole movie, as it will be interesting to see Michael moving to more socially conscious music that splits from the more poppy sound of Quincy Jones. Jackson also went on his Dangerous World Tour, which would be a great place to start the movie.

We’d also get to see his amazing Super Bowl Halftime Show in ‘93, where he literally just stands there for minutes, and I’d love to see a making of video for “Black or White” (which would play into the vitiligo subplot I’ve cooked up in my head) like we got with videos in the first movie.

Honestly, there’s SO much music to cover, it actually makes me wonder…

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Are We Sure There Won’t Be A Part Three?

It sounds like there was a lot cut from the first movie that will be in the sequel, but I’m just wondering–will there be a part three?

Because I don’t see how they could JUST cover the ‘90s, because I feel they would have to also go into the whole story of Invincible in the 2000s, and his spat with Sony and Tommy Mottola.

Honestly, I don’t see how this sequel could be the last movie, and I think there are a lot more obstacles that Michael could face in a third film. I don’t feel that hypothetical film would be dark, either, and I doubt his death will be incorporated into it.

But, what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Michael Has Been A Major Success, But How Has That Impacted The Jackson Family?

Erik Swann — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:06:06 +0000

As a new crop of films prepare to debut amid the 2026 movie schedule, Michael remains a hit amongst viewers. Lionsgate bet big on Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, and it’s certainly been paying off, given those massive box office returns. The studio is already moving forward on a follow-up to the musical film, and steady progress has reportedly been made thus far. All the while, though, some may wonder how the Jackson family is actually taking all of this in. Well, apparently, a number of Michael’s relatives have strong thoughts.

Many members of the Jackson family were front and center amid the rollout for Michael, and that was to be expected. And, of course, an added layer to that would be the fact that the late singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays them in the film. While some members of the family – like Jermaine and La Toya Jackson – have spoken enthusiastically about Fuqua’s film, a report suggests that this “moment” means a great deal to them for a few reasons. While speaking to The New York Post, a family insider said this:

The success of this movie didn’t just bring Michael back. It brought all of them back. The phones are ringing again, the invites are coming again, and the family knows exactly what this moment is.

Per that source, the Jacksons are sliding back into prominence in a major way, thanks to the biopic. The family has long been associated with music-based success, though many of them, including most of the founding members of the Jackson 5, didn’t find as much fame as Michael did. Now, it would appear that the large brood has an opportunity to pick up some momentum and, according to The Post, several of Michael’s siblings – Jackie, Jermaine, La Toya and Marlon – are interested in launching a tour they allegedly want to name Thriller.

Michael earned over $97.2 million domestically during its opening weekend, which contributed to a $218 million worldwide haul. As it stands, the movie has earned over $860 million worldwide, and it’s now the second-highest grossing musical biopic of all time behind Bohemian Rhapsody. Despite those receipts, it’s also said that the film represents more than the start of new business ventures for the Jacksons. A second insider also asserts that the narrative of Michael’s life has also been flipped in a more positive light:

For a long time, everything around Michael felt heavy. Now it’s light again. It’s a celebration, and the family is enjoying every second of it.

Michael Jackson was notably embroiled in child sexual abuse allegations during the ‘90s and in the 2000s, and many have discussed the impact those claims have had on his legacy. The initial accusations from 1993 were set to be referenced in Michael’s prologue and epilogue, though Jackson’s estate later found a legal stipulation that prevented one of the alleged victims from being depicted. With that, the ending was deemed "unusable" and had to be reshot for at least $10 million.

It’s unclear how a sequel would work around Jackson’s legal woes, though the studio seems bullish. While siblings Randy and Janet Jackson opted not to be part of the original movie, the others allegedly received large payouts for their involvement and are now eager to be part of a sequel. They'll reportedly be “supportive” of the endeavor “as long as the project is executed properly and the false allegations against Michael are not given excessive attention.”

The public will have to wait and see what happens with the Michael sequel but, in the meantime, the Jacksons may have some major career opportunities at their fingertips. For now, those who’ve yet to check out the biopic for themselves can still see it in theaters.

There Are Some Aspects Of Michael Jackson's Life A Sequel Seemingly Can't Touch. That Hasn’t Stopped The Studio

Erik Swann — Sun, 31 May 2026 23:06:00 +0000

Michael has emerged as one of the most successful titles of the 2026 movie schedule thus far, as the biopic on The King of Pop has dominated the box office and raked significant money. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that Lionsgate is already developing a sequel, though there are certain variables to consider. For starters, there are aspects of Jackson’s personal life that can’t be covered due to legal reasons. However, based on recent comments from an exec, that’s not stopping the studio from moving forward.

Antoine Fuqua’s Jackson biopic ends in 1988 with the Bad Tour, which predates the legal issues the late singer contends with in the ‘90s. Those child sexual abuse allegations were initially meant to be referenced in the film’s prologue and epilogue. However, Jackson’s estate discovered a legal stipulation that prevented one of the alleged victims from being depicted in the movie. With that, the ending was deemed “unusable,” and the estate paid for it to be reshot for a high total ranging between $10 and $15 million.

That situation leaves a lot of questions when it comes to the screenplay for a supposed Michael sequel. Nevertheless, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson is bullish about what’s to come. The exec spoke to Variety about the follow-up, and it sounds like, thanks to production on the first movie, some pieces are already in place for the next one, from a logistical standpoint. Fogelson explained:

We think we’ve got 25 to 30% of a second movie already shot from the prior production activity, and so obviously that will have some [financial] benefit ultimately, but we’re going to make sure we make a big and satisfying movie for a global audience once again.

Fogelson spoke about the possibility of a sequel over a month ago and shared his belief that there was “more story” to be told. There, of course, is a lot of additional material that Fuqua (should he return to direct) and his collaborators could tackle aside from the legal complications. Fogelson shared more thoughts regarding where the creative team could go narrative-wise with a second film:

I would say that there is a ton of incredibly entertaining Michael Jackson story, and much of the biggest and most popular parts of his music catalog that were not touched upon in the first film. There are so many other events that happened, even in the time frame of the original movie that weren’t touched upon, so we’re very, very confident that we’ve got an incredibly entertaining movie that will appeal once again to a global audience as the pieces come together.

To be quite frank, it makes complete sense that Fogelson and co. would be looking to craft another film based on Michael Jackson’s life. As it stands, Michael has earned $846.3 million worldwide despite receiving mostly negative reviews from critics. There’s also still money to be made, with the film’s release in Japan coming up in a few weeks. Right now, the movie is looking to surpass Bohemian Rhapsody’s $911 million haul to become the highest grossing music biopic of all time globally. In the meantime, Fogelson also said this about a sequel:

We are really excited about the progress we’re making with respect to a second ‘Michael’ film. All the conversations that we’ve been having with all of the appropriate parties continue to go exceptionally well.

As for when audiences might actually see that movie hit a theater near them, that remains to be seen. Adam Fogelson’s comments, however, still give the impression that the sequel could be fast-tracked, though we’ll also have to see how everything goes as far as the writers navigating the narrative limitations. In the meantime, Michael is still playing in theaters, meaning fans can either go for another showing or check it out for the first time.

I Can’t Stop Thinking About This Aspect Of The Michael Movie

jerricatisdale@gmail.com (Jerrica Tisdale) — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:12:35 +0000

What draws me to a captivating biopic (which there are many) is its ability to make me look at an artist in a new way. It’s the film’s capacity to make me feel like I understand the person now. I felt that way after watching Michael.

Obviously, these movies are filtered through the lens of the filmmaking team behind them, so they can’t possibly fully capture the truth of someone’s life. That’s why the criticism about Michael excluding important details is valid, but these things will likely be addressed in the next movie. Therefore, I viewed the film less as an all-encompassing look at Michael Jackson’s life and more as a movie about the journey of an artist.

Warning: Michael spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

The Film Emphasizes How Big It Was For Him To Succeed As A Black Musician At The Time

One of the most important scenes in Michael shows Michael Jackson (Jaafar Jackson) demanding that MTV play his videos. At first, Walter Yetnikoff (Mike Myers), president of CBS Records, is hesitant to put Michael’s videos on MTV. That was not how things worked at the time. Black artists weren’t shown on MTV. Michael and his attorney, John Branca (Miles Teller), get their request

It helps him and the network. This scene acts as a reminder of how hard it was for Black artists to receive the same amount of attention and respect. It also emphasizes how Michael was a revolutionary artist of his time. He paved the way for other Black artists.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

It Shows How Being Different Helped And Hurt His Life

Michael is shown as a bit of an odd person. Something many great music biopics highlight is that the subject doesn’t think and behave like an average person. They are musical geniuses, and that makes them fascinating. It’s their uniqueness that transforms them into brilliant creatives, but it also sometimes makes them outcasts.

Michael shows that the “Billie Jean” singer doesn’t really have a childhood. The other children treat him differently because of his early fame. As an adult, he doesn’t have many friends besides his family. Michael is a sensational musician because he doesn’t think or operate like others.

What makes him a well-respected and celebrated artist doesn’t translate to much success in his personal life. Many highly successful artists probably deal with the same things: feelings of isolation, loneliness, and misunderstanding. We have already seen many biopics showcase these themes, but it doesn’t make them any less impactful.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

The Film Encourages People To Not Follow The Traditional Path

It’s part of human nature to want to find people who understand and appreciate you. It’s a lonely feeling when you’re meant to walk the world alone. Therefore, many conform to society standards. They don’t want to stand out or be too different. This could lead to rejection. Michael shows the pop artist not finding many individuals who get him, but he becomes globally adored. That can’t replace the feeling of belonging, but it can make people feel important enough to continue to create.

It shows them that they matter to this world. Michael may make struggling artists see that they’re capable of greatness if they stay true to themselves. The people meant to find them will, whether that’s a tribe of individuals, fans, or a single person who adores someone without limits and conditions.

Michael was one of the must-see upcoming music biopics, and it delivered. Now we want a Janet Jackson movie after the Michael sequel. We need more of the Jacksons’ stories.

Catch the box office smash Michael at a theater near you.

Why Weren't The Other Jackson 5 Brothers As Successful As Michael? Tito’s Son Shares Dad’s Heartbreaking Take

Erik Swann — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000

As Michael continues to top the box office, there’s seemingly been reignited interest in the King of Pop along with his famous family, too. The “Billie Jean” singer was, of course, a member of the Jackson 5 before he eventually went solo and achieved even greater levels of fame. It’s fair to say that Michael eventually became more successful than his older brothers who also made up the band’s original roster. Now, a son of the late Tito Jackson is sharing his father’s somber take on that discrepancy in notoriety.

Taj Jackson – Tito’s oldest son – has been vocal amid Michael’s release on the 2026 movie schedule, sharing thoughts on his late uncle as well as his family on social media. Just recently, a fan posed a question regarding why the members of the Jackson 5 didn’t find equal levels of fame later on. Taj opted to repost it on X and answer the query due to it being a “very sensitive subject” to him. What followed was some sad insight into the experience that Tito apparently had:

I’ll answer since this is a very sensitive subject to me. Imagine since you were a teenager being told by everyone that you are worthless without your younger brother and you should thank him for everything you have. That’s exactly what my dad had to deal with his whole life. He told me that personally on multiple occasions. What do you think that does to your self esteem and life?

While Michael became the breakout star of the Jackson 5, it was Tito’s ability to play the guitar that initially prompted family patriarch Joe Jackson to form a band composed of his kids. That original lineup consisted of Tito, Michael, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie. Later in his career, Tito became a record producer and, in time, he also earned Grammy nominations for his work as a blues musician. Tito passed away in 2024 at the age of 70, at which point a flood of tributes to the late performer poured in from fans.

More on Michael

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Michael Jackson's Nephew Called Out The Media's Coverage Of The ‘Thriller’ Singer In New Post: ‘You Don't Get To Control The Narrative’

A lot has been said and theorized about the dynamics amongst the Jackson siblings, especially as in regard to their feelings on Michael’s meteoric rise. Most of the kids (except for three) are depicted in Antoine Fuqua’s Michael, including Tito. However, one of the issues critics seemed to have with the biopic was the lack of focus on the relationship between Jackson and his brothers. Having seen the film myself, I can also say that the brotherly dynamics take a backseat to the massive concert scenes and music video recreations.

With a Michael follow-up reportedly in the works, it’s fair to wonder whether such a film would cover the dynamics between the Jackson siblings further into their adult lives. It certainly wouldn’t be out of the question for the creative team to tackle such subject matter. And, should that happen, Fuqua and co. would theoretically have the opportunity to cut through and analyze the perspective that Tito apparently had.

It is unfortunate that Tito Jackson felt the way he apparently did but, on a brighter note, he is still highly regarded for his musical contributions. Not only that but, as a member of the Jackson 5, the late musician is also enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, regardless of where the Jacksons stand in terms of individual fame, I’d argue that Tito’s work won’t be forgotten. On that note, fans of the Jacksons can also check out Michael in theaters now.

Insiders Claimed Janet Jackson Saw An Early Cut Of Michael. Why She (Allegedly) ‘Hated It’

Erik Swann — Sat, 16 May 2026 14:06:40 +0000

Those who’ve seen Michael may still be wondering why Janet Jackson isn’t depicted in the biopic at all. As previously reported, the songstress opted not to be involved in Antoine Fuqua’s film about her late brother. Janet hasn’t spoken publicly about her feelings on the highly discussed 2026 movie schedule entry or officially confirmed whether she’s seen the finished production. Sources have since claimed, though, that Jackson saw a rough cut of the feature, and she purportedly “hated” it for a few reasons.

Janet Jackson has allegedly not seen the finished version of Michael, according to sources speaking with Rob Shuter for his Naughty or Nice substack. The supposed early screening Jackson took part in was apparently held months ago. Jackson – who’s reportedly not profiting from the film – has allegedly chosen not to give the production another look-over. With that, an insider claims the “Rhythm Nation” performer has specific issues with the movie (and they align with sentiments shared by a number of critics):

Janet saw an unfinished version and hated it. She thought parts of it felt inaccurate, overly sanitized, and emotionally manipulative.

Critics have complained that Michael offers a surface-level examination of the late “Thriller” singer and glosses over some of the more controversial aspects of his life. Mostly notably, the film doesn’t address the child sexual abuse allegations leveled against Jackson in 1993. Those legal issues were originally meant to be included, but Jackson’s estate later caught a legal stipulation that prevented one of the alleged victims from being portrayed. With the ending rendered “unusable,” it was reportedly reshot for no less than $10 million.

Sources also previously claimed that the “ugliest chapters” of Michael Jackson’s life were kept out due to the efforts of his mother, Katherine, and two of his kids, Paris and Bigi. On that note, upon seeing that early cut of the film for herself, Janet supposedly took issue with the depiction of her family:

There were heated conversations behind the scenes. Janet was especially upset about how certain family dynamics were presented. She made it clear she wanted distance from the entire thing.

While critics have mostly been down on Michael, audiences seem to disagree with their assessments. Early reactions to the film included particular praise for Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his late uncle. Another source provided purported information regarding whether Janet Jackson’s disdain for that rough cut extended to her nephew:

Her issue was never Jaafar. Her issue was the movie itself.

As of this writing, Michael, which is still playing in theaters, has earned over $614 million worldwide at the box office against a reported production budget between $155 and $200 million. Lionsgate has yet to formally announce a sequel that would theoretically cover the latter half of Jackson’s life. However, it’s been suggested that plans have been set in motion for such a film, with execs believing “more story can” be told.

Simultaneously, there are some fans who’ve asserted that a Janet Jackson movie could also work. However, Jackson’s desire not to be involved with her brother’s biopic may suggest she’s not eager to have her own life dramatized. To that point, another source said, Janet “simply did not want to become part of another Jackson family media storm,” given she “spent years protecting her peace.”

After Michael Jackson Biopic Gets Critiqued, Sources Drop Claims About Why It Leaves Out The ‘Ugliest Chapters’ In The Singer’s Life

Erik Swann — Wed, 13 May 2026 20:27:38 +0000

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael continues to generate buzz and spark various conversations. The Michael Jackson biopic -- in which his nephew, Jafaar, plays him -- is a box office hit, but it’s also received its share of criticisms from film pundits. Various critics have noted that Michael glosses over certain aspects of Jackson’s life. It’s been reported that some legal stipulations account for some of those key omissions. Now, several insiders are dropping claims about other variables that have supposedly factored into certain details not being explored.

Michael was made in collaboration with Jackson’s estate but, per Rob Shuter’s substack, other people with close ties to the late “Billie Jean” performer impacted the creative process. One insider claimed to Shuter that Katherine Jackson – Michael’s mother and the family’s matriarch – had a level of influence as did two of Michael’s kids, Paris and Bigi (formerly Blanket). If this report is to be believed, Katherine and the kids put forth a lot of effort to protect Michael’s legacy:

That was intentional. The movie avoids the ugliest chapters because Katherine and the children still have influence and control. Nobody wants a war with them.

One of the biggest points of contention with this entry on the 2026 movie schedule is the absence of any reference to the child sexual abuse allegations Jackson faced in the ‘90s. That situation was, however, originally meant to be addressed in the film via the original prologue and epilogue. Yet the estate later discovered a legal clause that prevented the case involving then-13-year-old Jordan Chandler from being mentioned. With that, the original ending was deemed “unusable” and had to be reshot for a $10-$15 million price tag.

As it stands, Michael has earned over $580 million, and execs are already teasing a follow-up, given the film ends with the Bad tour in 1988. With the prospect of a sequel comes the question of how much such a project would highlight the issues Jackson had later in life. There would surely be red tape to consider, and another one of Shuter’s sources alleges that several members of the Jackson family would allow such if film (if they were able and the price was right):

If Katherine and the kids were no longer standing in the way, there are family members who would absolutely participate in a second movie that told everything. And the full story is not pretty.

More on Michael

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

How Much Of Michael Jackson’s Voice Is In The Biopic? Here’s What The Filmmakers Told Us

No members of the Jackson family nor any of their representatives have corroborated such claims, so they should be taken with a serious grain of salt. Meanwhile the debates on Michael’s merits are drawing responses from those who knew the late Grammy winner. After critics argued that Fuqua’s film provided a surface-level examination of the singer, his nephew, Taj, called out the media and claimed it could “control the narrative” regarding his uncle’s legacy. A friend of Michael’s, Spike Lee, also chastised critics for supposedly harping on the absence of the sexual assault allegations.

As for a Michael sequel, there’s been no official indication on Lionsgate’s part that one officially has the green light. Should that happen, it can’t be said with certainty whether it would truly spark any kind of drama amongst the Jackson family. In the meantime, audiences can still check out the existing biopic in theaters now.

Ethan Hawke's Adorable Moment With Michael Jackson Fans After Watching The Biopic Just Made My Day: 'A Man Of The People'

Carly Levy — Sat, 09 May 2026 15:22:16 +0000

Thanks to the 2026 movie release, Michael, many people got to relive some of The King of Pop's most iconic moments. The musical biopic not only expressed the hardships that a young Michael Jackson faced, but it was also a great way to reenact the performer’s best musical moments. Many people have loved the movie, and that includes Ethan Hawke, who showed what a fan he was of the music biopic by posting an interaction he had with fans after the screening, and it just made my day.

It’s no wonder the Michael Jackson biopic danced all over box office records with its $97 million opening. Fans of the “Beat It” singer know they won’t “stop ‘til you get enough” after watching many of the flick’s concert and music video scenes. Based on @Adrian_l899’s X video, Ethan Hawke sure had a lot of fun with fans after watching Michael and his adorable singalong with them truly made my day:

Ethan Hawke having fun after watching the #MichaelMovie pic.twitter.com/jSwNAiq5MQMay 6, 2026

I’m getting such a kick out of watching Ethan Hawke channeling his falsetto singing “I’ll Be There” with fans! There’s nothing like walking out of a movie and sharing with everyone how much you enjoyed it. To be honest, I’d probably do the same thing too.

Clearly, the Michael biopic has a song-and-dance effect on audiences, reminding them what made Michael Jackson such an icon in the first place. Plus, with the musical bio-drama being directed by Antoine Fuqua, who also directed Hawke in one of the 2000s best movies, Training Day, it was even more special to see the Dead Poets Society actor come out of Michael with such enthusiasm.

Plenty of X users were quick to share their reactions to Hawke’s cute fan moment, calling the Boyhood actor “a man of the people.” Take a look at the glowing comments below:

Damn. Ethan is a man of the people. You speak of down to earth- @Dddanttte2
See this is what Michael Jackson is about all people coming together smiling enjoying themselves... This is pure joy- @Curry03532437
Damn I didn't know Ethan Hawke was chill like that .- @SneakyGameBoy
Wow, Ethan is a good Singer! He’s so down to earth! 🤩🤩🤩- @UnbelievablyMe2
We need to protect this man with everything we have 🥰 Ethan is a real one!- @fiascosriot

X users are absolutely right-- seeing Ethan Hawke being so joyous with the fans singing a Michael Jackson tune is such a human moment that makes me want to join in.

The American actor wasn’t the only fan of the Antoine Fuqua flick. Spike Lee loved the biopic too, saying he saw it twice!

Even from the movie’s first screening, its initial reactions had fans calling Michael a true movie theater-going experience and praising Jafaar Jackson for bringing the “Billie Jean” singer to life. If Hawke walked out of the movie a musical man just from watching Michael, there’s no reason anyone else can’t either.

Ethan Hawke was really “a man of the people,” singing with fans to Michael Jackson after leaving the biopic. Michael’s electric energy was clearly so contagious that it was easy to want to walk out of the theater and start dancing, as the Blue Moon actor did, and I’m all for it! You can bust a moonwalk as well with the musical biopic everyone’s talking about, playing in theaters now.

How Much Of Michael Jackson’s Voice Is In The Biopic? Here’s What The Filmmakers Told Us

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:15:00 +0000

The thing about Michael is when you’re watching it, it feels like Michael Jackson is in front of you. No wonder it’s gone on to become one of the biggest 2026 movies so far, continuing to make bank at the box office this past weekend. If you're like me, you probably wondered how much of the music in the film features the legend’s actual voice and how much comes from the actors playing him. Before anyone goes jumping off the wall, we have an answer for you.

When CinemaBlend spoke to director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King about the making of Michael, the filmmakers revealed to us a bunch of things like how Jaafar Jackson debuted his moonwalk to them and what it was like to shoot those immersive concert scenes. Here’s what King said about the role of Michael Jackson’s voice in the movie:

It’s a blend with both of [masters and live singing] – with Jafaar and Juliano. I always think [of the] audience. They're not there, obviously. They're showing up to see a cinematic experience more than they are listening. But it's always fun when they can sing a little, like Michael, especially Giuliano, ‘Who's Loving You’. That acapella, he belted that out. So, it's always a blend.

It sounds like both Michael actors definitely have the vocal chops to pass for MJ, but as it is ultimately a movie celebrating the King of Pop, it just wouldn’t be right to not have his voice in there at all. The young Michael Jackson was played by Juliano Krue Valdi, who is currently twelve years old. He'd been a fan of the legend since the age of 5, when he was first shown Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” music video from Moonwalker.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Then, with the approval from his family, he started recreating Michael Jackson routines online to a viral reaction, leading to him being cast in Michael at the age of 9. Fuqua told us there was a “magic about him” that led to any of the other auditions for the role to fade away. And when it comes to the man behind adult Michael Jackson, the movie cast MJ’s nephew Jaafar, who even lived in the same house Michael does in the movie. Jackson also said this to Today about the vocals in the movie:

When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track… but even, you know, the moments where there’s no backing track, it’s actually me singing the acapellas, which was really fun to do.

Jaafar also learned every move and recreated every moment in his uncle’s life the movie chose to tell in his early life. The actor also has said he lived at the Hayvenhurst property in Encino while filming and made a “research room” for himself while making it to connect with the late King of Pop.

Michael has been such a smash success that there’s already talk of Jafaar coming back for a sequel, but nothing has been confirmed just yet. You can check out Michael in theaters now.

Michael Was Fun, But Can We Get A Janet Jackson Movie Next, Please?

Rich Knight — Tue, 05 May 2026 20:05:00 +0000

Is the box office explosion that is Michael really all that surprising? I mean, 1982's Thriller is still the highest-selling album of all time and that's a title that I don’t think will ever be dethroned, given that it’s sold over 60 million records.

As to what I thought of the film? Well, I thought it was flawed, but fun. It wasn't the in-depth biopic that I had hoped for, but it was enjoyable to see the making of “Thriller” and other key moments in Michael’s early career. However, while watching it, one thing that kept flicking me in the back of my mind was how much I’d like a Janet Jackson biopic.

Janet, as you likely know, isn't in Michael (by choice, of course), which just makes me desire a Janet Jackson biopic all the more so. Here are some other reasons why I’d like to see this.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

I’d REALLY Like To Know What Janet’s Relationship With Joe Jackson Was Like

Yes, everybody is talking about how good Jaafar Jackson is in Michael, and for good reason. At times, you actually forget that somebody is playing Michael Jackson, which makes sense, given the immediate connection between Jaafar and Michael. But, if there’s one other name that’s brought up when it comes to staggering depictions, it’s Colman Domingo’s portrayal of the patriarch, Joe Jackson.

He plays the antagonist of the film, and he’s often tyrannical when it comes to MJ’s career. Since we’re mainly seeing the film from Michael’s perspective, we get a very negative version of his father. However, what was Janet’s relationship with her dad like? Even prior to this movie, I knew that Joe Jackson was not a contender for Father of the Year.

Because Janet had a prodigious career in her own right, I’d love to know what HER relationship with her father was like. Was he just as hard on her as he was with Michael? I do know that she had her own branching off from the family moment with her third album, Control, but did Joe have a looser hand on her career than he did with his sons?

These are things that I would love to see in a biopic about Janet Jackson, especially since her presence isn’t in Michael at all.

(Image credit: A&M)

It Would Be Fascinating To See Janet’s Rise Toward Rhythm Nation 1814, And Then Beyond It

Some people might not know this – and you definitely wouldn't know it from the movie – but Janet Jackson was actually in a variety show called The Jacksons along with her brothers, as well as her two sisters, Rebbie, and La Toya. In fact, much like Michael, Janet was extremely young when she got into show business, and her trajectory as an artist saw her having roles in TV shows like Good Times, A New Kind of Family, and Diff’rent Strokes while she was also putting out early records.

These early records is what I’d really love to see in a Janet Jackson biopic. Since I have the whole summer off (I'm a teacher outside of this website), one thing I do every year is pick out one artist and go through their entire discography. And, with a very manageable 11 albums, Janet is quite easy to get through her entire catalog.

Even so, her first two albums, 1982's Janet Jackson, and 1984's Dream Street, are kind of…meh. Not bad, per se, but just “meh.” Sophomoric might be the word I'd use. It’s actually not until 1986's Control that Jackson seemed to be really charting her own destiny. And then, the concept album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, was a huge leap.

Much like how we got to see how Michael grew from his Jackson 5 days to a song like “Beat It,” I'd love to see a biopic that explores Janet's transformation that led to a groundbreaking album like Rhythm Nation. That would be peak cinema!

(Image credit: Epic)

Janet And Michael Also Had A Unique Bond, And I'd Like To Know More About That, Too

An aspect I brought up earlier about the movie, Michael, is that Janet Jackson is nowhere to be seen, and again, that’s fine. It is Michael’s movie after all, and not Janet’s. That said, the two siblings ostensibly had a pretty close relationship, and I’m just wondering if, if we ever got a biopic for Janet, would we see Michael in it?

I think we probably would. It is Janet, after all, with whom Michael worked with on the epic 1995 song, “Scream,” which, in turn, was a commentary on the sexual allegations that Michael was going through at the time with the media. “Scream” aside, I’m sure that Janet certainly had feelings about her own career, which in a lot of ways coincided with her brother’s.

They weren’t rivals. They were contemporaries, and though I feel Janet’s career gets overshadowed by Michael’s nowadays, Janet’s contribution to music was just as seismic back then as her brother’s, and I would love to see how close - or how distant - they were in their own separate careers.

I think that’d be a fascinating watch, and something I kind of feel deprived of when it comes to Michael’s movie.

(Image credit: A&M)

Also, That Soundtrack Would Be Incredible On The Big Screen

When it comes to Michael, there are a lot of complaints about how it's a surface-level film at best, and at worst, a film that scrubs Michael clean of any wrongdoings (like Disney scrubbed the Michael Jackson episode of The Simpsons off Disney+) that he may or may not have done, and yeah. I think those are both perfectly valid complaints. That said, it is important to note that a lot was taken out of this film, and the movie that we eventually got was far removed from the movie that it might have been.

However, if there’s one thing that can’t be denied about the film, it’s that the soundtrack is incredible. And, like, was it ever NOT going to be? When you have music from the Jackson 5 era, the Off the Wall period, Thriller, and a little bit of Bad, was there ever any universe where this soundtrack wasn’t going to be a 10 out of 10 experience? Well, I think if Janet ever also got her own biopic, then her soundtrack would be just as good (if not better, which I’ll get into next) than Michael’s.

It honestly would really depend on how far into her career a hypothetical movie would go. For instance, the deeper you go into Janet’s catalogue, the better the songs get. Tracks like “All for You,” “Runaway,” or “I Get Lonely” would sound marvelous on the big screen, just as “Bad” does for Michael.

Truthfully, I think I want this movie mostly for the soundtrack alone. It would be so good!

(Image credit: A&M)

Lastly, I Think A Lot Of Young People Could Gain An Appreciation For Janet That They Might Not Have Had Before

Like a lot of people, I followed Michael Jackson’s career (both in song and in film) my entire life, so a Michael Jackson biopic, while fun, wasn’t revelatory or anything like that.

That said, it wasn’t until I went through Janet’s entire discography that I realized just how wonderful she was/is. Honestly - and this might be a hot take - but I think Janet Jackson had a better career than Michael. Maybe she doesn’t have a “Billie Jean” or a “Human Nature” in her entire catalogue, but Michael doesn't have a single album better than The Velvet Rope.

I think a biopic could make younger generations learn to love her just as I do.

How cool would that be? So, make it happen, Hollywood!

Spike Lee Loves Michael, And He Has Thoughts About Critics Panning The Movie

Erik Swann — Sun, 03 May 2026 16:06:59 +0000

Michael – the Antoine Fuqua-directed movie about Michael Jackson – has sparked more than a few discussions since it was first screened for audiences. Critics were down on the biopic and shared their issues with the film earlier on and, since the film’s wide release at the end of April, a portion of the general audience seems to disagree with pundits. Needless to say, debates have arisen in regard to the merits of Fuqua’s latest film, though Spike Lee is making it clear that he really enjoys it while simultaneously addressing critics’ responses.

Lee, who was a close friend of Michael Jackson, recently spoke about his perception of the late entertainer. With that, he also discussed their collaboration on the “short film” for Jackson’s 1996 single, “They Don’t Care About Us.” During that discussion with CNN, Lee went on to share his thoughts about Michael, and he succinctly shared his positive feelings on the movie:

I’ve seen it twice… love it.

Amid that interview, the Malcolm X director also showed just how cognizant he was of the negative reviews Michael received. What Lee specifically highlighted was the continued discussion about the film’s exclusion of the sexual abuse allegations Jackson faced in the ‘90s. When addressing those who took issue with those details not being featured in the film, Lee said the following:

If you’re a critic and you’re complaining about all that other stuff — but the movie ends in ‘88. And the stuff you’re talking about, accusations, happened… you’re critiquing the film on something that you wanted but doesn’t work in the timeline of the film. But people showed up. Worldwide, people showed their love [for] Michael.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

The sexual abuse allegations were initially addressed in the film via the prologue and epilogue, though any mention of them had to be removed due to a legal technicality discovered by Jackson’s estate. With that, the film’s initial ending was deemed “unusable” and had to be reshot for a sum of money between $10 and $15 million. All of that aside, Spike Lee’s argument seems to be that anyone “complaining” about the change should acknowledge the film’s timeline.

Critics seem to have issues with Michael that go beyond the exclusion of the allegations, however. While Jaafar Jackson’s lead performance as his late uncle has been praised along with many of the concert sequences, many considered the film to be a surface-level examination of its subject. Some pundits pointed out a lack of focus on the relationship between Jackson and his brothers or his business acumen among other critiques.

Nevertheless, Michael has been successful at the box office, as Spike Lee pointed out. As of this writing, the film has earned over $425 million worldwide against a reported production budget between $165 and $200 million. There’s recently been speculation about whether a follow-up will be produced. While addressing that prospect, Adam Fogelson – the chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group – wouldn’t confirm a sequel, though he expressed his belief about there being more story to tell.

In the meantime, it doesn’t seem like the discourse surrounding Michael is slowing down, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if some critics and general audience members share more thoughts after hearing Spike Lee’s viewpoint. Anyone who hasn’t seen the film can see it in theaters, where it’s playing alongside other titles on the 2026 movie schedule.

After Fans Wondered About Michael Getting A Sequel, Exec Addresses Whether ‘More Story Can’ Be Told

Ryan LaBee — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:17:10 +0000

The Michael Jackson biopic has been blowing up the box office since it hit the 2026 movie schedule. While some critics have called out the film for sidestepping the more complicated parts of Jackson’s story, there’s been growing chatter that a sequel could go there. So, should we expect another chapter? One exec is weighing in on whether “more story can” and should be told.

Speaking with Business Insider, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson said he’d be open to a Michael sequel if director Antoine Fuqua and writer John Logan decide to continue the story, potentially tackling the more controversial aspects of Jackson’s life. He told the outlet:

There has been so much energy and ink with people speculating. Speaking for myself, I think when you watch this movie you are given a window into the extraordinarily unusual circumstances that impacted Michael Jackson from a very young age. This movie isn't afraid to reflect the wildly unusual circumstances of his life. But we believe more story can and hopefully will be told, and that's going to come down to not only the performance of the film but the audience telling us they want more, and we believe based on the response we've gotten that's what they are going to say.

Right now, it sounds like any potential sequel isn’t just a creative decision, it’s a business one. If audiences keep showing up, the door stays open. Given how Michael has performed so far, it’s not hard to see why the studio might be interested in exploring a follow-up. At the same time, the conversation about a sequel is directly tied to what the first film left out.

The absence of Jackson’s sexual abuse allegations has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie, especially since that wasn’t originally the plan. As Fuqua has recently shared, the production had to pivot late in the process, undergoing extensive reshoots to avoid violating the terms of a 1993 settlement between Jackson and Jordan Chandler, who accused him at the time.

(Image credit: Lionsgate/GK Films)

That legal restriction essentially drew a line around what the film could and couldn’t depict. And it’s a big part of why the movie focuses so heavily on Jackson’s early life, his rise to fame, and the pressures that shaped him, rather than diving into the allegations that would later define much of the public conversation around him.

Which brings us back to the sequel question. If Michael is laying the groundwork, a follow-up could pick up where the first film leaves off and move into the later chapters of Jackson’s life, territory the initial installment couldn’t fully explore. Antoine Fuqua has even hinted in other interviews that there’s more story already mapped out, suggesting this may not have been designed as a one-and-done.

The bigger question is tone. Telling a more complete version of Jackson’s story means stepping into some very sensitive territory, and how a sequel handles that will likely shape its reception just as much as its box office. Right now, much of Michael’s momentum is driven by nostalgia, fans showing up to relive the music and the iconic moments on the big screen. A sequel that leans into darker material, especially the allegations, could shift that dynamic in a big way.

For now, nothing is official. But between the film’s strong performance, the studio’s openness, and the curiosity around what comes next, it’s clear this story isn’t finished yet.

Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Jackson, is now playing in theaters. Be sure to check your local listings for showtimes.

Michael's Director Says The Same Thing Happened On The Biopic That Happened When Will Smith Slapped Chris Rock Ahead Of His Last Movie

Ryan LaBee — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:45:04 +0000

The Michael Jackson biopic recreates several iconic moments from the late pop star’s run in the ’70s and ’80s, so fans are already experiencing déjà vu as they watch it unfold on the 2026 movie calendar. That feeling wasn’t just coming from what’s on screen, but also what happened behind the scenes. Director Antoine Fuqua found himself dealing with a different kind of whiplash, the kind that had nothing to do with choreography or recreating "Thriller". As he explains, directing Michael came at a very unfortunate time, as it was practically a repeat of what he faced after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock ahead of his last film, Emancipation.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Fuqua opened up about one of the toughest moments during production on Michael and how it mirrors what he went through while finishing his previous film, Emancipation, starring Smith. As he tells it, when he found out there would be legal ramifications if they got into the 1993 allegations against Jackson, it was the "exact same situation" he'd been in before.

All movies have different challenges, but this one was really unique. It was an extra punch in the gut for me at that moment, because I was in the exact same situation with Emancipation. I was literally handing in the director’s cut when Will [Smith] slapped Chris [Rock]. I was floored and devastated and knew what that meant overall and that the movie would be written off. This was a similar situation, because I was handing in the director’s cut and I get this call. That was a tough day.

The fallout from the 2022 Academy Awards slap incident dominated headlines for weeks, inevitably overshadowing Emancipation, available to stream with an Apple TV subscription. The historical drama arrived under a cloud it didn’t create, and the conversation around it shifted almost overnight. So to find himself in a nearly identical moment while finishing Michael? Yeah, you can see why he calls it a gut punch.

This time around, the issue wasn’t a viral moment on live television, but a major behind-the-scenes complication. The film had to undergo significant reshoots after it was discovered that certain real-life allegations tied to Michael Jackson couldn’t legally be depicted, forcing the production to rethink where it wrapped in the timeline and shell out for extensive reshoots. The movie ultimately ended with a "story continues" card, leaving the door open for more to be told, maybe, one day.

That kind of last-minute pivot would throw any production off balance, and for a while, it did. Fuqua continued:

It definitely did for a while, because we had to rethink everything. That was a tough period. Graham, [screenwriter] John Logan and I banged our heads around. We had a lot of meetings. But we clicked into it at the same time: The movie is called Michael so you have to focus on Michael.

Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, Fuqua and his team refocused the film around the core of the story: Michael Jackson himself. The performer and the person. It’s a shift that, in hindsight, sounds obvious, but in the middle of a production scramble, it’s not always that easy. Especially when you’re dealing with a figure as complex and polarizing as Jackson.

The film ultimately moved forward with that approach, leaning into the earlier parts of his life and career while setting up the more controversial chapters for potential future installments. Despite the turbulence, it paid off. Michael went on to post a massive opening weekend, proving there’s still a huge audience for the King of Pop’s story.

Twice now, Fuqua has found himself at the exact same stage of the filmmaking process, handing in a director’s cut, only to have something completely outside of what he made threaten to reshape how the project is received. Most directors deal with production headaches, but not all of them have to deal with déjà vu like that.

Michael is currently in theaters as part of the April 2026 release schedule.

Michael's 'Thriller' Moment Almost Wasn't Perfect, Until The Movie Made One Wild Last-Minute Change

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:43:58 +0000

The Michael Jackson movie recreates tons of iconic moments from the late pop star's career during the 1970s and 1980s, but perhaps the most standout sequence throughout its runtime comes during the “Thriller” music video. When CinemaBlend spoke to director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King about shooting the sequence, they shared an almost unbelievable story about how it all came together on set.

The “Thriller” music video was shot across Los Angeles, California, under the direction of John Landis, who famously helmed classic movies like The Blues Brothers, An American Werewolf In London, Clue and Coming To America. Here’s what happened with the actor who was hired to play the filmmaker per Fuqua:

Those old Chapman cranes go up pretty high and we found out last minute [the guy we cast as John Landis] didn't like heights. So we got one of our ADs who was still over there smoking a cigarette by the fan. I was like, ‘He looks just like John Landis.’ So, he wound up doing it.

What are the chances that your actor would have to quit, and there’d be the perfect replacement already on set? Pretty spooky stuff, but then again, King also said they could feel “Michael’s spirit” on the shoot as well. Check out what Fuqua also had to say about recreating “Thriller”:

[We] got the actual location where they filmed it. So we were able to do that, which is an incredible thing to do. But the hardest thing wasn't on us. It was really on Jafaar and those dancers to pull that off. That's an iconic dance move with all the zombies and everything. For us it kind of fell into place. It was a full moon every night.

As you can imagine, there was a lot of pressure on these filmmakers to bring “Thriller” back to life, which is credited with transforming music videos into mini-movies and is often thought of as the most famous work from the medium.

Jaafar Jackson is the nephew of Michael Jackson, who actually even grew up in the same home as Michael did in Encino, California. The 29-year-old newcomer to acting fully immersed himself in the role of Michael by consuming all the videos, interviews and more of his uncle, along with creating a “research room” full of helpful factoids about the singer and the time period the movie is set. But, of course, he also had to nail the dance moves and physicality of Michael, too. As King also added during our interview:

We had Rich and Tone [Taluega] who are Michael's choreographers from the History Tour. And I will say this, those zombies, the way they move in that amazing in that footage. That performance is incredible.

The “Thriller” music video is definitely close enough to the original to give any fan goosebumps. You can check out the original here:

CinemaBlend also talked to Antoine Fuqua and Graham King about the first time they saw Jafaar Jackson moonwalk along with how they decided to shoot the stadium sequences where Michael is playing for large audiences. So far, fans have had some really positive reactions to the movie, and Michael is heading toward being one of the most successful music biopics ever.

Check out our thoughts on whether there could be a Michael sequel or extended cut, and you can stay updated on what other 2026 movie releases are on the way here on CinemaBlend.

Where Is Janet? There Were Three Missing Jackson Kids In Michael

Hugh Scott — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:05:00 +0000

The Jackson family is featured prominently in the new music biopic Michael, which hit the 2026 movie schedule this weekend. However, Joe and Kathrine Jackson had nine kids who lived to adulthood (Brandon Jackson died in infancy), but only seven of the kids are seen in the box office success. Most notably missing is Janet Jackson, the second most successful singer in the family. Rebbie Jackson, the oldest daughter (and oldest child), is also absent, as is the youngest brother, Randy. While some members of the family are very excited about the movie, others, like these three, seem far less so.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures/Glen Wilson)

Janet Jackson Chose Not To Be A Part Of Michael

At the premiere of Michael, La Toya Jackson explained that her younger sister, Janet, “politely declined” to be a part of the film. La Toya added that “you have to respect her wishes.” However, according to some reporting, mostly from gossip outlets, the rift between Janet and the rest of the family may not be so simple. According to the paper, she and Randy have been firmly against this movie and really at odds with the rest of the family.

In one article, Page Six quoted a source as saying:

[Janet] had something negative to say about almost every scene.

That comment supposedly came after a private screening for the family. It also, according to the source, led Janet to confront her brother, Jermaine, with the anonymous source telling Page Six:

The acting, the makeup, how the actors spoke, even how they walked. It was Janet deciding against the room that this movie wasn’t going to meet her approval.

This may have partly stemmed from the fact that it’s Jermaine’s son, Jafaar Jackson, who plays Michael in the movie. According to the article, Jermaine told Janet that she was just being jealous. That casting decision, which, I’ll add, was a stroke of genius as Jafaar is really quite wonderful in the role, may also be at play in why Randy wasn’t a part of the movie.

Randy’s History With Jermaine Is Even More Complicated

I’m not going to get into all the sorted details of the complicated relationship all the siblings in the family have with each other and their parents, but one that stands out here is Randy and Jermaine’s mutual relationship with Alejandra Oaziaza. Oaziaza was Randy’s partner (and the mother of two of Randy’s kids) from 1986 until 1994. In 1995, Oaziaza married Jermaine. The two were married until 2004 and have two children together, including Jafaar.

According to Vanity Fair, this has long been a source of tension between Randy and Jermaine, and, with Jermaine serving as a producer on the movie and his son starring in it, it may have reignited some of this old bad blood. It also, according to the report in Vanity Fair, may have been another factor in Janet not participating, as Randy and Janet are quite close.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Rebbie Jackson Also Declined To Be In The Film

The oldest Jackson sibling, Rebbie, does not appear in the film, either. Her decision not to participate is less clear than even Janet and Randy’s, however. Some, like The Direct, have speculated that she isn’t involved in solidarity with her two youngest siblings, but she has not addressed it publicly. Like Randy and Janet, Rebbie did not attend the premiere, but her son, Austin Brown (Jafaar’s cousin), did walk the red carpet with the rest of the family.

There is no doubt that there is some tension between some of the family members beyond the siblings as well. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, has also been critical of the film. She wasn’t born until after the story ends in the movie, in 1988, so she was never expected to be in it, but that hasn’t stopped her from speaking out about it, saying it is “full of inaccuracies,” but not going into details.

Michael, which has been a hit with audiences, even as critics have reviewed it more negatively, is sure to be a divisive movie given its subject matter (or lack of, in some important ways), and that extends to the family as well.

Is The Michael Jackson Biopic Getting A Second Movie? The Ending And The Reshoots Explained

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:05:00 +0000

In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of biopics about famous names in music such as Queen, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Elton John and Whitney Houston. Now, the latest, Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson movie, is here! Since it’s a movie that makes a distinct choice about where to leave the audience when the credits roll (with twenty years of his life unexplored), naturally, we need to talk about how Michael ends and what it could mean for a follow-up.

Once you watch the ending of Michael, there’s an open-endedness to it that has us thinking, could we get a sequel – or maybe an extended cut? Let’s take a look at the “Man In The Mirror” and get into what its finale means.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

How Michael Ends

The story of Michael is essentially about the artist finding his own way in music and breaking away from his allegedly abusive father, whilst being a huge pop star. It concludes with Michael at the end of The Victory Tour with his brothers, marking that he was officially going on his own path. It also starts and ends with Jackson performing at Wembley Stadium during the Bad Tour back in 1988, in a time jump that sees him successful and thriving on his own. But before the movie is officially over, this washes over the screen:

The story continues…

If you felt the ending was a bit abrupt or confusing, you’re absolutely not alone. But, the reason for this title card is a bit more complicated than an Avengers movie saying something like “Iron Man will return in Avengers: Doomsday”. There’s allegedly a bit of a messy backstory behind it, and some unanswered questions about what it could mean going forward for another Michael biopic.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

How Reshoots That Allegedly Changed Michael

The first thing to note about the Michael ending is that it was originally different. The movie was reportedly going to address the 1993 allegation that Michael Jackson molested 13-year-old Jordan Chandler in the third act of the biopic. However, after the movie had already been filmed, Michael underwent reshoots that apparently cost around $10 to $15 million for 22 additional days of photography (per Variety). The Michael Jackson estate allegedly covered the cost for the reshoots.

Why? Apparently, the estate found a clause in a settlement with Jordan Chandler that wouldn’t allow the movie to mention him in “any movie.” So, rather than Michael getting into the singer’s molestation allegations, they chose to end the movie on a different note. The reshoots allegedly included a new third act and allowed the production to flesh out other scenes from earlier in the film. This is one reason why Michael ends the way it does. Without the movie going into the 90s, it can gloss over the fact that he was publicly accused of child sexual abuse in August 1993 and the additional allegations and investigations that took place from then to 2005, when he was acquitted of all criminal charges.

(Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

Could There Be A Sequel?

Here’s another thing to consider, too. There’s also talk of a second Michael film. Check out what Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson told The Hollywood Reporter at the movie’s premiere:

We absolutely have more story to tell... We have prepared for that moment. And if the audience reinforces that they’re ready for more, we’re prepared to give it to them sooner rather than later.

Michael producer Graham King has previously specified that he would like to make a second film in order to cover the other albums in Jackson’s career like Dangerous and Invincible, along with the purchase and construction of the Neverland Ranch and his passion for animals. Colman Domingo, who plays Michael’s dad in the movie, also said this on Today:

There's a possibility of there being a Part 2, that may deal with some other things that happen afterwards. This is about the making of Michael, how he was raised, and then how he was trying to find his voice as an artist and be a solo artist… There could be a sequel, but we don’t know yet.

As usual, when it comes to Hollywood movies, what will help determine whether a Michael sequel happens is how the movie is received by audiences. Projections for its global box office performance have the movie expected to break some box office records, with reports saying it could get the biggest music biopic debut ever, per Gold Derby.

So far, the results are split between critics and casual moviegoers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a 39 percent “rotten” score from over 150 reviews and a very positive response from the audience-geared Popcornmeter with a 95 percent. The big complaints are regarding the movie feeling like “damage control” and “afraid to navigate the singer’s anxieties, traumas, and frustrations”. Other, more positive first reactions have said it was “recreated to perfection” and “one of the best music biopics”.

All that being said, the question still stands on how the next Michael movie would discuss the controversies around the King of Pop, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. Will audiences embrace Michael enough without mention of his allegations for a second movie? Perhaps a sequel could be made that’s even more concert-focused?

(Image credit: Universal Pictures/Glen Wilson)

What About An Extended Cut?

One more element of this is that Michael reportedly covered so much that its runtime was closer to four hours than two hours. Could an extended cut come out, should the movie become a hit? When CinemaBlend spoke to Antoine Fuqua about it, here’s what the director had to say:

It's too early to think about that right now. It's so painful when you have to cut anything out, right? So we're still going through footage. We got so much footage.

So, there are a few ways “the story continues…” can and will be translated based on how Michael is received, but for now, perhaps it’s best to consider it as a reminder that there’s more to Michael Jackson’s life than what the confines of a glamorous biopic can fit in a single moviegoing experience.

One Thing I Didn’t Realize Jaafar Jackson Had In Common With His Uncle Michael That Helped Him Prepare For The Biopic

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Now that the Michael Jackson biopic is finally here, I know I’ve been curious to learn more about the actor behind the role, Jaafar Jackson, and his connections with his Uncle Michael. Well, I just learned something about his upbringing that he has in common with the King of Pop that he also took with him while preparing to play the role, too.

Much of Michael takes place during the years where Michael Jackson was living on his family’s property Hayvenhurst, which is located in Encino, California, and continues to be owned by the Jacksons. As it turns out, both Michael and Jaafar have deep roots with the house. In Jaafar’s words to Rolling Stone:

It felt crucial to be in that same energy that Michael had been in at the time. I grew up in that house, too, and have personal memories of Michael there, so there were many emotions.

I mean, they both grew up in the same house! And, while getting ready to star in Michael, Jaafar spent a lot of time at Hayvenhurst, especially doing his rehearsals. In CinemaBlend’s own interview with filmmakers Antoine Fuqua and Graham King, they said they first saw Jaafar moonwalk at the property. It’s kind of the perfect setting for this specific movie too because the biopic focuses on Michael Jackson when he made Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad, which were all demoed at Hayvenhurst.

In addition to spending more time at the 2-acre compound in Encino, Jaafar said that he decided to make a “research room” for himself where he filled the walls with things like his uncle’s personal writings, facts of his achievements and a timeline of what was going on in the world during different parts of his life he was depicting.

Jaafar definitely deeply embodies Michael Jackson, and the first audiences who saw the film have already given the actor props for giving a "genuinely grounded performance”, being “electric” in the role and giving the “performance to beat for the rest of the year.” The movie isn’t without critics, with the majority of reviews complaining about the movie for being “feature-length publicity” and “flat characterizations.”

Even though Michael seems like it will be one of those movies with a separation between audience and critic opinions, all around there’s a lot of hype around Jaafar Jackson’s performance, and surely the closeness in proximity, as being a family member and giftedness had something to do with it.

It’s one of the most anticipated 2026 movie releases, and is expected to make a killing at the box office this weekend. While you’re here, you can learn about how the immersive stadium sequences were filmed exclusively here on CinemaBlend.

Michael Jackson's Nephew Called Out The Media's Coverage Of The ‘Thriller’ Singer In New Post: ‘You Don't Get To Control The Narrative’

Erik Swann — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:38:46 +0000

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is set to debut amid the 2026 movie schedule this week and, even ahead of its wide release, the film has been heavily discussed. To that point, critics’ reviews of the Jackson-centered film have already hit the web, and many have been sharing their thoughts on the analysis. Someone who seems less than pleased with the way media outlets have been viewing Jackson’s legacy is his nephew, Taj. With that, the younger Jackson didn’t mince words when calling out the media.

Taj Jackson is the son of Michael’s late brother, Tito, and is a music producer in his own right. Amid the lead-up to the release of the biopic, Taj took to X to weigh in on the media’s perception of his uncle. Jackson specifically addressed those who would seemingly try to change the “narrative” surrounding the “Thriller” singer. Jackson’s social media post reads as follows:

Sorry media, (you) don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that.

At first glance, what Taj Jackson seems to be referring to are the reviews Michael has received thus far. Many of those reactions have skewed negatively and, as of this writing, the movie holds a 37% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on the sentiments shared in a number of those reviews, critics have panned Fuqua’s film for feeling somewhat sterilized and for not diving into the complexities of the late singer. Many have also made note of the fact that the sexual abuse accusations Jackson faced are also not mentioned in the film.

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(Image credit: Lionsgate)

‘They Just Start Screaming.' The Michael Jackson Biopic Filmed Its Immersive Stadium Concert Scenes With Jaafar Jackson And 400+ Extras

Initially, the allegations leveled against Michael Jackson by the family of then-13-year-old Jordan Chandler in 1993 were going to be referenced in the movie. However, it was later discovered that a legal stipulation prevented Chandler from being referenced or depicted in the movie. Because much of that material was tied to the biopic’s third act, the ending was deemed “unusable.” With that, the ending was reshot, and Jackson’s estate reportedly between $10 and $15 million for that additional photography.

Taj Jackson had more thoughts to say about the media’s coverage of his uncle and by extension, his uncle. In a second post, the 3T member specifically referenced “critics,” saying:

Can’t wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.

Early on, it was said that the Michael Jackson movie would tackle the Grammy winner’s “complicated” legacy, though that was seemingly long before the changes involving the ending occurred. Leading the film and playing Jackson on the big screen is one of his other nephews, Jaafar, who elicited positive reactions early on for his portrayal. Also part of the ensemble are Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Laura Harrier and Miles Teller.

It remains to be seen how Michael performs at the box office amid its opening weekend, and the same goes for the audience scores it’ll get once its available to the public. Ultimately, amid critics’ reviews and comments from Taj Jackson or other family members, viewers will be able to see the film and make up their own minds when the movie opens on April 24.

The Complaints About The New Michael Biopic Are (Mostly) Not What I Expected From The Critics’ Reviews

Heidi Venable — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:49:07 +0000

So, I saw the new Michael biopic last night ahead of its release on the 2026 movie calendar and had a blast. Honestly, it was like a two-hour non-stop rundown of greatest hits, but the film stops at an unexpected place, so I wasn't surprised when the critics had strong opinions about the way the biopic makes them feel. I was surprised, though, about what exactly the complaints mostly centered on.

While I thought people would have been complaining more about the timeline — Antoine Fuqua's movie takes the pop icon’s career only into the late '80s — the real complaints had far more to do with how the movie dove into Michael Jackson himself. There’s a lot that works, The Wrap’s William Bibbiani writes, but with no mention of the sexual abuse allegations he faced, the movie presents an incomplete and inaccurate narrative. The critic writes:

Whether it’s by design or legal necessity, Michael picks as few battles as possible and backs off almost every time. It’s a film about how great Michael Jackson was and how great you are if you’re still a fan. It can’t be taken seriously, no matter how earnest it looks and sounds. Because it’s not really a story. Maybe it used to be before the reshoots. Maybe not. Either way, now it’s just feature-length publicity, and it plays like damage control.

Michael focuses on the period of the singer’s life from his first performances with The Jackson 5 through the late ‘80s, and an acknowledgement at the end of the movie that there’s more to Michael’s story makes it unclear if a second film might be able to fill in those gaps.

The original Michael ending addressed allegations of abuse against 13-year-old Jordan Chandler; however, due to an agreement between the Jackson and Chandler families to never dramatize those events, that ending was deemed “unusable.” Director Antoine Fuqua reportedly spent a lot of money to reshoot the ending that audiences will see.

Robert Daniels of RogerEbert says while making no mention of Michael Jackson’s legal troubles doesn’t help the movie, its biggest sin is a lack of complex interest in Michael himself. Daniels gives it just 1 star out of 4, saying Michael isn’t a movie — it’s a playlist. He continues:

This repetitive biopic is afraid to navigate the singer’s anxieties, traumas, and frustrations, and its flat characterizations prevent it from interrogating Michael as a creator or person. Michael leaps from one event to the next without reflection or pause, hastily attempting to summarize an accepted mythology of the singer’s unlikely rise to stardom in a surprisingly tight 127-minute runtime.

Siddhant Adlakha of IGN rates the upcoming music biopic an “Awful” 3 out of 10 and calls it a “frictionless, flat, paper-thin story” that does what should be impossible when speaking about Michael Jackson by making him utterly boring. Adlakha’s review reads:

Michael, or Bohemian Jacksody, is a film of listlessness and inhumanity that can’t help but suck the energy out of the room. No matter where you come down on Jackson as a person, this film is entirely the opposite of what he was, both as an iconic performer and a controversial tabloid figure. Who would have thought that such a carefully controlled, estate-permitted biopic might actually do more damage to an artist’s legacy by making him so uninteresting?

However, Pete Hammond of Deadline says Michael Jackson fans are sure to eat up this feel-good biopic. Jaafar Jackson channels his uncle in uncanny ways, making us believe the King of Pop is with here with us once again. Hammond writes:

The musical dance sequences when they occur are superbly choreographed by Rich and Tone Talauega who have copied every famous step, and this is where Jaafar Jackson just knocks it out of the park. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between him and the real deal, and I was impressed how he slipped on that glove and just stepped into those dancing shoes with genuine authority and style. You believe this kid, and that is key.

David Rooney of THR says this may appear on the surface to be your run-of-the-mill music bio-drama — Michael being the sanitized, fan-friendly, family-sanctioned film that it is — but Rooney finds the project actually quite thoughtful and intimate. It’s a portrait of a damaged man, the critic says, “whose sharp professional instincts seemed at odds with his gentle demeanor.” He concludes:

The film leaves itself open to accusations of making Michael a saint, which will not sit well with the cancel crowd. If you are unwilling to separate the art from the artist, this will not be a movie for you. But for lifelong fans who cherish the music, the movie delivers. Simply as a celebration of Jackson’s songs and stagecraft, it’s phenomenal, shot by Dion Beebe with visual electricity in the performance sequences. The music has never sounded louder or better.

I would have expected more critics to be upset that Michael cuts off before reaching the point in the late artist’s life that could explore his reclusiveness, his relationships, cosmetic surgeries and, of course, the sexual assault allegations. I suppose the tease of a possible second movie is enough to allay those concerns for now.

If you want to see what Jaafar Jackson has to offer as the King of Pop, be sure to get your tickets to Michael when it hits the big screen on Friday, April 24.

I Love The Cool Story Behind How Jaafar Jackson Debuted His Moonwalk

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:21:00 +0000

Many who've already seen Michael have shared some stellar reactions to Jaafar Jackson’s performance as his late uncle. Jaafar's work is arguably one of the big reasons so many are exited or curious about the release of the Michael Jackson movie directed by Antoine Fuqua. While I think the movie is sure to stir up a range of thoughts amongst moviegoers, one detail that’s undeniable about the movie is how Jaafar embodies the King of Pop, and his electric moonwalk is just one aspect of his performance worth celebrating. So, let’s talk about the cool way he debuted it.

When CinemaBlend spoke with Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King, I asked the filmmakers about the first time they saw their Michael Jackson complete the iconic move. Here’s what King recalled:

We would go to Michael's home, where Jaafar kind of would hang out and rehearse. And, I think he invited us over [to see him moonwalk].

Look, I expected the auditions of Michael would require every actor to moonwalk in and out of the casting office but, apparently, the creative team trust that Jackson would already have the move down upon being cast. It’s pretty wild as is how Fuqua, King and co. didn't see Jackson do the dance until he was hired, but I think what’s even more impressive is Jaafar taking on the move in the actual home of Michael Jackson. I wonder if the up-and-coming actor felt spending more time there during rehearsals would help him embody his uncle?

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(Image credit: Lionsgate)

‘They Just Start Screaming.' The Michael Jackson Biopic Filmed Its Immersive Stadium Concert Scenes With Jaafar Jackson And 400+ Extras

Also, the home we’re talking about is Hayvenhurst, which is a two-acre estate in Encino, California initially purchased by Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, back in 1971 and later bought out by Michael. There’s a lot of history within those walls, and it's allegedly the place where the King of Pop developed his own moonwalk before debuting it during the taping of the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in 1983.

Hayvenhurst remains under the ownership of the Michael Jackson estate, so it’s not odd that Jaafar Jackson was there. Still, it's definitely poetic that the home is can now be marked as location of Jaafar's moonwalk debut. Ahead of Michael, you can check out Jaafar nailing the moonwalk, along with the presence of Michael Jackson, as part of a recreation of that Motown special:

Jaafar Jackson recreates a lot of famous Michael Jackson moments as seen in the Michael trailer. And, if you’re curious which of his hits are in the movie, the soundtrack’s list of songs has been revealed. So, with all of that in mind, know that the moonwalk, performed to "Billie Jean" is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the great music in Fuqua's film.

Michael opens in theaters nationwide on April 24 amid the 2026 movie schedule. Fans can also read up on other upcoming music biopics in the meantime.

‘They Just Start Screaming.' The Michael Jackson Biopic Filmed Its Immersive Stadium Concert Scenes With Jaafar Jackson And 400+ Extras

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:28:39 +0000

If you’ve ever wished you could see the late Michael Jackson in concert, one of the upcoming 2026 movies, Michael, will get you close to the experience thanks to Jaafar Jackson’s incredible performance as the King of Pop and the production’s commitment to recreating his presence. When CinemaBlend talked to the filmmakers of the Michael movie, they told us about what it was like to film stadium concert scenes in front of hundreds of extras.

Jaafar Jackson is the nephew of Michael Jackson, and has already been receiving high praise from the movie’s first audiences for a “flawless” performance. Here’s what director Antoine Fuqua said about what it was like to film the Michael Jackson concert scenes with 400+ extras and a full band on stage with him:

He walked out on stage and they just start screaming. And then, when that music comes on and he starts performing, it really was like you were there, and the extras were in it. It wasn't like, ‘Okay, action,’ and they're gonna pretend that music would come on. They would start dancing around and start screaming. There were moments I looked, I was like, ‘Do they think this is Michael?’ Like, it was so bizarre because when we weren't even rolling, they would be screaming ‘We want more.’ And, entertaining themselves. It was really special.

Oh, and this was on Jaafar’s first day on the production by the way! While the job of extras is basically to act in a background capacity, as the Michael director told us, there was zero need for the extras to play off anything. They were genuinely reacting to his performance. As Fuqua added that he thinks the extras didn’t know “what to expect” from Jaafar, along with these words:

We had to have extra cameras put in the audience. We have like six. And then I look at Graham like we need more coverage. We put two more cameras because we would see someone way in the back screaming and crying. And then I would see someone over there and I was like, ‘How do we capture [that]? It was so real and organic. So literally we would have our crew like, ‘You go over and get that.’ ‘Go, go grab this.’ And here's what's interesting in a movie: you do it over and over. It was the same energy each time. You think you're gonna burn 'em out. The music would start playing and they would just disappear into it. It was amazing.

The first performance that was filmed for Michael was “Bad”, which you’ll find later in the movie, since the movie covers his career from childhood through to the 1980s. This story really speaks to how much work Jaafar Jackson and the production put into making people feel like they were really seeing the late pop star. The filmmakers even told us that they didn’t necessarily seek out Michael Jackson fans when casting the extras either. As producer Graham King also told us:

I think they really gave Jafaar confidence on that stage just organically because they were rooting for him. They were cheering for him, they were crying for him. It was a lot of love. You could feel it going from the audience to the stage and vice versa. It felt like a mini Michael concert.

Talk about a great first day at work for Jaafar Jackson. The Michael movie covers a ton of famous songs from Jackson’s career as shown by the movie’s soundtrack track list and the Michael trailer teases how audiences will get to see iconic moments recreated like the Jackson 5 days, Thriller music video and more. You can also check out an awesome clip from the movie that shows off Jaafar Jackson’s fancy footwork.

Michael also stars Colman Domingo as Michael Jackson’s father Joe, Nia Long as his mom Katherine and Miles Teller as his manager John Branca. You can see it in theaters on April 24.

The Michael Jackson Movie Has Screened, And The First Reactions Are Hyping The Movie Up: 'Genuinely Uncanny'

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:26:01 +0000

Now that April is in full swing, the anticipation for the Michael Jackson biopic is standing out among the 2026 movie releases. The movie, which hits theaters in a couple of weeks, just premiered in Berlin, Germany, and the first reactions that have been published online have a lot of good things to say about Antoine Fuqua’s Michael.

There have been a lot of music biopics over the years, with mixed results. Based on the first comments on Michael, this one might be a winner. Check out what @LiamTCrowley of ScreenRant had to say:

#MichaelMovie is why we go to the movies. Thriller, Beat It, etc recreated to perfection - genuinely couldn’t resist a head bump and finger tap at any moment. Makes you smile where it wants to, wince where it needs to. Colman is your earliest supporting actor candidate. Some pacing woes, but strong stuff all around. Can’t wait to see this one with a crowd. HEE HEE.

Colman Domingo plays Michael Jackson’s father, Joe, who pushed his sons in the direction of music careers starting with forming the Jackson 5, but was allegedly physically abusive with them. Along with big praise for his supporting performance, there’s a lot of love for Jaafar Jackson as Michael. As @AndrewJ626 of Discussing Film wrote on X:

If there's anything to give Jaafar Jackson and Antoine Fuqua credit for, it's that they weren't interested in doing an easy recreation of MJ's life. The two genuinely capture how MJ was a deeply lonely individual who was scarred by fame, showing his flaws alongside the good. It would have been easy to get someone who can do all the dance moves and mimic MJ's voice, but Jafaar can do all of that while delivering a truly grounded performance that feels vulnerable. It’s genuinely uncanny how much he feels like the real MJ at times.

Jaafar Jackson is the 29-year-old nephew of Michael Jackson. As you’ll see, he’s consistently named as the highlight of the biopic, which covers the King of Pop’s early life and success through to the 1980s, as the soundtrack has revealed. The Michael trailer offers a good preview of the newcomer’s look and mannerisms as the “Thriller” singer. Check out what @HunterBVideo wrote:

#Michael features two absolutely smashing performances, Jaafar Jackson is ELECTRIC in his role, while Colman Domingo is monstrous as Joe Jackson. The ending leaves a bit to be desired, but the journey there is fascinating and fitting of the greatest entertainer of our time.

While there’s definitely a lot of positive comments, so far we’ve heard a few nitpicks – “pacing woes” and the above comment suggests the ending is another weak spot. That being said, That Hashtag Show’s @JuniorFett couldn’t rave enough about it with these words:

#MichaelMovie is one of the best music biopics I've ever seen! Jaafar Jackson is Dazzling and Mesmerizing and truly embodies Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo is Spectacular and shows why he's one of the greats. Incredible musical sequences and performances makes this a must watch

This next reaction from @therealsupes is particularly excitable about the biopic. Take a look:

It’s perfect. Jaafar Jackson gives the performance to beat for the rest of the year. I can’t say enough about it. The voice, the dancing, the heart & soul are all there & it was magic. Entire theater was singing & dancing the whole way through. The ultimate love letter to Michael fans. This is the movie we wanted.

Michael has long been in the works from Lionsgate, and recently it was reported that the movie underwent huge reshoots after the original ending was deemed “unusable.” This is due to legal issues with the movie depicting a subject of sexual allegations against Michael Jackson. It sounds like the overhaul might pay off given the first reactions to the movie. Here’s one more comment from @ShowbizSimon:

Jaafar Jackson’s flawless performance in #MichaelMovie is alchemic. He’s 100% convincing as Michael Jackson. The attention to detail and the recreations of iconic moments like Thriller are next level. John Logan's script offers drama and playful levity that keep Michael grounded.

Michael is helmed by Antoine Fuqua, who famously directed films like Training Day and The Equalizer trilogy. The movie’s script comes from John Logan, who penned the likes of Gladiator, The Aviator, Hugo, Skyfall and Spectre. It’s also produced by Graham King, who previously was behind the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody, along with the Michael Jackson estate being involved. You can check it out yourself on April 24.

The Intense Amount Of Money Spent To Reshoot The Ending Of The Michael Jackson Biopic

Erik Swann — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:15:05 +0000

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is currently positioned as one of the marquee titles on the 2026 movie schedule, as the biopic on Michael Jackson has generated plenty of conversations. Some of that chatter has been in regard to changes made to the actual production and, most notably, it was reported last year that the ending had to be changed for legal reasons. As the film’s release draws nearer, a new report includes the alleged amount of money it took to reshoot the ending (and this is a lot of cheddar).

Nearly a year ago, it was reported that Michael’s ending would, at least in part, revolve around the sexual assault allegations Jackson faced from the family of then-13-year-old boy Jordan Chandler. Overall, that portion of John Logan’s screenplay would’ve reportedly focused on how the allegations impacted Jackson’s life and career. Yet changes had to be made after Jackson’s estate, which co-produced the film, discovered a clause that barred Chandler from being mentioned or portrayed in the movie, rendering the ending “unusable.”

Variety now reports that somewhere between $10 and $15 million was shelled out in order to account for additional 22 days of photography needed to redo the ending. That’s a hefty sum, especially considering that Lionsgate already granted Fuqua’s film a reported $155 million budget. However, the studio reportedly didn’t kick in that additional money, as Jackson’s estate covered the tab due to not having recognized the Chandler-related clause sooner on their part. Because of that, the estate also now has an equity stake in the movie.

As of the actual content of the film, insiders dropped alleged details on what was initially planned. Michael was apparently supposed to open with a flash-forward scene set in 1993, and it would’ve shown the “Billie Jean” singer solemnly looking through a mirror at Neverland Ranch as police car lights flash behind him. With that, given what’s known about the original ending, it likely would’ve wrapped back around to the time period depicted in the prologue.

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(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Ahead Of The Michael Jackson Biopic, Colman Domingo’s Comments About Needing To ‘Transform’ Into Joe Jackson Have Me Intrigued

Of course, these revelations may also leave fans wondering what’s being planned for the new ending. It seems that Fuqua and co. instead opted to end the biopic on a more triumphant note, with the final scene taking place during Michael Jackson’s “Bad” Tour, which commenced in the late ‘80s. That rewritten conclusion was also penned by John Logan, who was also delayed after his house was damaged as a result of the Palisades fire.

Various reports swirled around the release date for Michael, which changed several times over the past couple of years. Had all gone according to the original plan, Lionsgate would’ve released the film back in April 2025, yet it was later delayed to October ‘25 before landing its current date. Some insiders even alleged that the reason for the delays was that the film was going to be split into two parts like Wicked (a fellow production from Universal Pictures).

Fuqua’s film sees Jaafar Jackson play his late uncle, and it was previously touted as covering much of the “Thriller” performer’s “complicated” legacy. While the abuse allegations are no longer part of the movie’s narrative, the Michael trailers suggest that many of the singer’s biggest hit songs – including those performed with The Jackson 5 – will be prominently featured. I remain curious as to how the movie will be received and whether it will strike a chord at the box office after all that money was dished out.

Michael opens in theaters on April 24. Ahead of its release, take some time to read up on other upcoming music biopics.

Ahead Of The Michael Jackson Biopic, Spike Lee Shared A Sweet Take On The Late Singer

Carly Levy — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:02:53 +0000

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic will bring strong reminders to fans of what an iconic musician the King of Pop was. Many talented artists were fortunate enough to collaborate with Jackson and witness firsthand how he dominated the music game. In the lead-up to Michael's release, Spike Lee, who directed one of the late Grammy winner’s music videos, shared a sweet take on the late singer.

Back in 1996, Spike Lee directed Michael Jackson’s music video for “They Don’t Care About Us.” Since the award-winning director was known for his socially relevant movies, “Bad” singer felt like Lee was the perfect man for the job. With the Michael biopic around the corner, Lee took to Instagram to share a throwback photo as well as his take on why Jackson was more than a music maker:

Our Brother MICHAEL JACKSON HAD MANY GOD GIVEN GIFTS BUT ONE IS OVERLOOKED. MJ WAS ALSO A PROPHET. HE DANCED, SANG, PREACHED TO THE WORLD. THE SERMON IS ‘THEY DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT US’ AND MAY I ADD? THEY STILL DON'T GIVE A FUCK.

It’s true that Michael Jackson was more than a singer. He brought audiences to their feet with his outstanding choreography, plot-heavy music videos and songs featuring strong messages. “They Don’t Care About Us” communicated to the world the struggles that minorities were dealing with. By shouting in the air and stomping his feet in defiance, Jackson channeled anger and solidarity into a protest that allowed listeners to feel. Under Lee’s direction, it was the ultimate empowerment music video.

Spike Lee would certainly know a “prophet” when he sees one. That's because Lee's most iconic characters are modern-day truth tellers in their own right. Do the Right Thing’s Mookie had no problems calling anyone out on stereotypes of minority groups, and that forced the audience to see the horrors of racial injustice. Lee’s Malcolm X sees the titular freedom fighter dedicate his life to social change for Black people. As Michael Jackson used music to shed light on prejudice, Lee couldn’t ignore the profound social effect the legendary performer’s music had on the world.

With that in mind, there are many things fans like to see in Antoine Fuqua’s Michael, like Jackson's early struggles in the music industry and his attempts to put together his breakthrough solo album, Off the Wall.

While the first trailer showed Jackson throughout the years, I’d like to also see the behind-the-scenes accounts of what went into the production of his most famous music videos. Each one was epic in scale, complete with intricate dance sequences and special cameos. Highlighting how these musical moments were created would perfectly emphasize what a once-in-a-generation artist he was.

In the meantime, it seems Spike Lee feels fortunate to have known and worked with Michael Jackson and to have been able to discover what a “prophet” he was. Through the power of music and film, the two pushed society to confront injustice, and I'm appreciative of them doing it.

Fans can see Michael, which opens in theaters on April 24th as part of the 2026 movie schedule.

Michael's Soundtrack Has Been Revealed, And There's More Than One Missing Track That Surprises Me

Adam Holmes — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:00:39 +0000

Next month, Michael will arrive to the 2026 movies schedule and point the spotlight on Michael Jackson, from his early years in the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the world’s most successful solo musical artists. Of course, you can’t make a Michael Jackson biopic without featuring the man’s songs, and now the soundtrack for this movie has been revealed. Weirdly though, there are several tracks missing that I figured were guaranteed to be included.

Don’t get me wrong, Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture will have plenty of hits from the Jackson 5/Jacksons and Michael Jackson on his own. So before I discussed the songs I’m surprised aren’t on the album, here’s the full lineup of what you will hear, courtsey of the official Michael Jackson X account:

Side A: “I’ll Be There” (Jackson 5), “Never Can Say Goodbye” (Jackson 5), “Who’s Lovin’ You” (Jackson 5), “Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save” (The Jacksons)
Side B: “Ben” (The Jacksons), “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (Michael Jackson), “Beat It” (Michael Jackson)
Side C: “Thriller” (Michael Jackson), “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson), “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Michael Jackson)
Side D: “Human Nature” (Michael Jackson), “Workin’ Day and Night” (Michael Jackson), “Bad” (Michael Jackson)

These are all excellent choices, with “ABC,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” and “Billie Jean” being my top three favorites. That being said, I’m disappointed that “Smooth Criminal,” my favorite Michael Jackson song of all time, isn’t part of the lineup. Also, where are “Tbe Way You Make Me Feel” and “Man in the Mirror”? I realize that literally every Jackson 5/Jacksons and Michael Jackson song can’t be included in the sountrack, but I do find it odd that those three didn’t make the cut.

So I guess by extension, that means we won’t hear these three songs in the Michael movie either. That’s a shame, but at least those other songs are all certified bops and more than worthy of being highlighted in this cinematic exploration of Jackson’s life. Jafaar Jackson, the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine, is portraying his uncle, and he’ll show off plenty of fancy footwork on screen. Jafaar’s co-stars include Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father; Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother; Miles Teller as John Lanca, Michael’s manager; and Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, who helped launch the Jackson 5.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael opens in theaters on April 24, and that’s the same day you’ll be able to buy Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture. To be honest, though, I’ll just continue listening to some of those songs in the weeks ahead to get more hyped up for the upcoming music biopic’s release.

Jaafar Jackson's Fancy Footwork In New Michael BTS Video Makes Me Think The Biopic Is Missing Out On Easy Marketing

Adam Holmes — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:01:22 +0000

Originally intended to be a 2025 release, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael is now just a couple months away from opening on the 2026 movies schedule. We got our first look at Jafaar Jackson bringing his late uncle to life in the Michael trailer released in November, and in addition to another trailer releasing at the beginning of this month, there’s also now a behind-the-scenes video to watch that shows off the performer’s fancy footwork. While this video is another feather in the cap that is Michael’s marketing, it also makes me think the movie is missing out an easy way to promote the movie.

This new look at Michael from Lionsgate focuses on Jafaar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, practicing the dance choreography and “proving” to the filmmakers that he was “capable of becoming” Michael Jackson. Watch the featurette to get a taste of what director Antoine Fuqua is talking about when he said Jafaar “killed it” in the role:

I’m not going to predict how Michael will be received critically or how it will perform at the box office, but in terms of the dancing, Jafaar Jackson definitely impressed in that video. Seeing him bust a moes to “Billie Jean” and “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” may be just enough to get me to see this movie in theaters. But why stop there? Lionsgate and Universal Pictures (which are handling the domestic and international releases, respectively) should have Jafaar put those moves to good use by recreating certain performances and/or other big moments from Michael Jackson’s life as an addition way to hype people up for Michael.

More on Michael

(Image credit: Lionsgate/GK Films)

For example, Michael Jackson performed at the 1993 Super Bowl halftime show. NBC, which aired the Super Bowl with the Bad Bunny-fronted halftime show, is part of the NBCUniversal media empire, just like Universal Pictures. It would have been amazing if one of the ads aired during the game this past weekend was a snippet of Jafaar recreating his uncle’s performance in 1993 to promote Michael. Then, fans could have gone online to watch the full thing.

It’s too late to pull that off, but there’s still some time to recreate some of Michael Jackson’s other biggest professional moments for marketing that won’t be covered in-depth during the movie. Actually, I’m hoping this promotional material has already been shot and simply hasn’t been released yet. There’s a lot of excitement building around Michael, which isn’t surprising given that he’s one of the most famous pop culture figures of the 20th century. This would be a good way to boost that excitement even more.

Michael opens in theaters on April 24, and Jafaar Jackson is joined by Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller and Laura Harrier, among many others. Antoine Fuqua directed the feature off a script written by John Logan, so fingers crossed what they put together ends up being a cinematic treat.

3 Reasons Why I Lament That My Daughter Will Never Get To Watch The Only Banned Episode Of The Simpsons On Disney+

Rich Knight — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In an unexpected twist in my household, my daughter is a massive fan of The Simpsons.

I say unexpected, because when I introduced her to the show, I thought that much like the other shows that I've tried to share with her from my childhood, she would just give me a polite smile, and then find an opportunity to leave. But no, she loves The Simpsons, and now has seen every episode on Disney+ (including the shorts!). Well, every episode except for one.

And, that's Season 3’s first episode, “Stark Raving Dad,” which was pulled from Disney+ after HBO's Leaving Neverland aired. I lament that it's gone now, and for a number of reasons. Here are just three.

(Image credit: Fox)

The Character, Leon Kompowsky, Reappears In A Later Episode, But My Daughter Has No Frame Of Reference

My daughter is at the point where she's seen every episode and is now rewatching them. Well, I actually stepped into the room when she was viewing Season 29’s episode 8, “Mr. Lisa's Opus,” and when I saw Leon Kompowsky, who was the character formerly voiced by Michael Jackson, I said, “Oh, yeah. They brought him back,” and my daughter was like, “Huh?”

That’s when I remembered that his first episode had been pulled, because my daughter hadn’t been into The Simpsons when it first appeared on Disney+. Since she’s seen every episode, season by season, it upset her since here was this character whom she didn’t recognize, and until I brought up that an episode had been banned from Disney+, she probably never would have known.

Now that she does, she’s disheartened because she’s a completist, just like me. And she thought she had seen every episode, IN ORDER, but now, that’s not the case, which is a bummer.

(Image credit: Fox)

Both Of My Children Love Michael Jackson, And The Simpsons

I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson growing up (Well, except for Moonwalker, which scarred me as a child), and another aspect of my youth that I’ve shared with my children is Michael Jackson’s music, and they love it, too! (Especially my son. He can’t wait to see the Michael Jackson biopic).

Anyway, as viewers of The Simpsons, it would have been cool if my kids had gotten to watch “Stark Raving Dad,” as they likely would have questioned, just like many of us did as kids, if it really WAS Michael Jackson’s voice coming out of that big white dude’s mouth. But my children didn’t get that opportunity, which sucks.

I remember it being a pleasant surprise back then that The Simpsons was able to get MJ to lend his vocals that early on in the series. My kids probably would have also gotten a kick out of it, too, hearing one of their favorite singers make an appearance on one of their favorite shows. So, yeah, as I said, it sucks. My kids didn’t get to experience that.

(Image credit: Fox)

It's A Really Good Episode, And It's A Shame That They Can't Just Watch It On Disney+

Lastly, most old-school Simpsons fans will agree that the best seasons of the show are Seasons 3-10, with Season 3 really being the one that jump-started the golden age. And, Season 3 STARTS with “Stark Raving Dad.” It’s the episode that, by all accounts, is the introduction to the best period of The Simpsons, and now that episode is completely gone from Disney+ for future generations.

Now, it’s been gone for a while, but that’s the thing about Disney+, it serves as an archive that younger generations can open up and enjoy. In every way, your Disney+ subscription offers new content, but it also acts as preservation. “Stark Raving Dad” is a really good episode of The Simpsons, full of heart and great jokes (and a great song! “Lisa, it’s your birthday! Happy birthday, Lisa!”), but now, my kids can’t enjoy that episode. At least not on Disney+.

First Michael Trailer Shows Jackson Throughout The Years, And I Can't Get Over How Much Actor Jaafar Jackson Looks Like The Pop Star

mick.joest@CinemaBlend.com (Mick Joest) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:18:21 +0000

Despite some red tape holding up the movie earlier this year, we finally have the first trailer and release date for Michael. We get some great glimpses into how the film will portray moments from the late Michael Jackson's career, but my biggest takeaway is just how much his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, resembles the King of Pop.

After nearly falling apart due to legal problems with the third act, it looks like Michael is going to hit on all the high points of Jackson's career. Based on the trailer, it appears that the movie will cover Jackson's rise to prominence in the Jackson 5, as well as his peak success as the world's biggest pop recording artist.

(Image credit: Lionsgate/Sony)

Jaafar Jackson Looks Just Like Michael Jackson

The highlight of the footage for me is Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael's brother Jermaine. I'm glad the movie went the Straight Outta Compton route, and I make this comparison because to me, this is as spot on as when O'Shea Jackson Jr. played his father, Ice Cube. Michael wouldn't work if the lead actor didn't resemble one of the biggest celebrities Earth has ever seen, and it likely would've held the movie back, especially during the pre-release where social media responses can make or break a project.

Is The Scope Of The Movie Too Ambitious?

CinemaBlend saw footage of Michael a long time ago at CinemaCon, and one valid concern about the movie also arose with the Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. This appears to be an attempt to encapsulate Jackson's entire career in a single movie, and given that he was famous for decades, that seems like an impossible task.

Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris Doesn’t Hold Back Explaining Why She 'Moved On' From Her Involvement With Late Pop Star's Biopic

Dirk Libbey — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 21:07:06 +0000

Michael Jackson was the “King of Pop” and one of the biggest stars on the planet during his life. However, his personal life was also wildly controversial. As such, the upcoming biopic about Jackson’s life, simply titled Michael, has had more than its share of buzz long before anybody has seen it. Now, there’s seemingly a new conflict concerning just how involved Jackson's kids have been involved with the making of the film.

Colman Domingo, who appears in Michael as Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson, recently told People that Jackson’s two kids, Prince and Paris have been very supportive of the upcoming movie. However, upon hearing this, Paris took to Instagram to reveal that she hadn’t been involved in the film since very early on. As for why she "moved on," Paris says this:

I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest/didn't sit right with me, and when they didn't address it, I moved on with my life. Not my monkeys, not my circus. God bless and godspeed.

Paris Jackson doesn't go into detail about what exactly she didn’t like about the script, and it’s unclear if, through subsequent drafts, any of her concerns were later addressed. However, she does specify in a later Instagram story reel that she was specifically told that her concerns regarding the first draft would not be addressed and, at that point, she walked away. Jackson also gave some indication as to why she took issue with the film, saying…

A lot of the reason I haven’t said anything up until this point is that I know a lot of you guys are going to be happy with it. The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy, and they’re going to be happy with it.

It’s certainly possible that details changed over the course of additional drafts. If Paris Jackson only saw the first, the screenwriters could've made adjustments later on. What’s clear now, however, is that Jackson thought early on that the film wasn’t going to be an accurate depiction of her father’s life and so she choose not to be involved.

Jackson specifically calls out Bohemian Rhapsody as an example of a biopic that she feels wasn't particularly true to the real-life events depicted in it. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is produced by Graham King, who also produced the aforementioned Queen biopic. Interestingly, King had specifically stated previously that Michael would not be "sanitized." Regardless, it seems as though Paris still took issue with its direction.

(Image credit: Paris Jackson Instagram)

This is far from the only issue that Michael has seen during its development. Originally planned for release this October, the movie's release date has been pushed back to April 24, 2026. The reason for this, according to reports, is that the entire third act needed to be rewritten and reshot. This situation is reportedly due to the film dealing with allegations surrounding Jackson’s conduct with a 13-year-old boy. However, due to an agreement between the boy’s family and the Jackson estate, nothing that transpired can be dramatized.

No biopic is 100% true to life, but there are certainly varying degrees of “dramatic license.” Based on Paris Jackson’s claims, Michael isn't as accurate as it should. It may be fair to assume that when the film comes out next year, a lot of people will have a lot of opinions on that.

How Diddy’s Court Case Will Now Connect With Michael Jackson And Chris Brown

Heidi Venable — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:13:09 +0000

P. Diddy was arrested seven months ago and has been in prison awaiting his trial on federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. With less than a month until proceedings kick off on May 5, the music mogul’s defense team has kicked things into high gear, and a big move now puts Sean Combs in the same boat as other musicians like Michael Jackson and Chris Brown.

Diddy’s Defense Team Is Making Changes Just Weeks Ahead Of Trial

Marc Agnifilo has led Diddy’s defense to this point — most recently filing a motion to keep the other, separate civil lawsuits against the rapper out of the federal trial. Now, it appears attorney Mark Geragos will join him in a lead role, Page Six reports. Geragos has worked with Chris Brown in the past, as well as Michael Jackson, Hunter Biden, and Lyle and Erik Menendez.

Mark Geragos is already an advisor on the case, but the defense team is reportedly preparing paperwork that would allow him to appear in court on behalf of Diddy. Mark’s daughter, Teny Geragos, is also part of the defense team.

Last month, Anthony Ricco — one of the six lawyers working with Puff Daddy (who has changed his name many times over the years) — stepped down from the case, but it was not made clear whether Mark Geragos is replacing Ricco or intended to fill a different role for Diddy in the courtroom.

50 Cent Comments On Diddy’s Pursuit Of Another Powerhouse Attorney

Sean Combs also has reportedly been pursuing Joe Tacopina — who has represented clients including A$AP Rocky and Donald Trump — to join his legal team. However, Tacopina told The Breakfast Club in March (per THR) that he declined the offer due to issues between Diddy and some of the lawyer’s friends, including Jay-Z.

Jay-Z has already found himself involved in Diddy’s legal woes, after he was named in a rape lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed. Another of Joe Tacopina’s famous friends appears to be P. Diddy foe 50 Cent, who said last year he’s working on a bombshell Sean Combs documentary for Netflix.

On an Instagram post captured by Vibe, 50 Cent apparently commented on what it might mean for Diddy if he was able to secure Joe Tacopina, writing:

If Diddy can get Joe he might beat this case. But he’s gonna have to pay a lot of money, there’s no time to prepare!

In addition to the bad blood between the defendant and the lawyer’s friends, Joe Tacopina also cited lack of preparation time as another reason he rejected the offer to join the team.

When the May 5 trial kicks off, it seems videos from Puffy’s “freak off” parties are going to play a big role in his defense. Consent appears to be a major part of Diddy’s team’s strategy, and race may play into it, too, as a court filing allegedly reads that “no white person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution.” Both of these were issues discussed in the mock trial depicted in the TMZ documentary The Downfall of Diddy: His Defense (available to stream for free on Tubi).

Diddy has maintained his innocence against all charges, so we’ll have to see how things play out in front of a judge and jury come May 5.

Doctor Odyssey’s ‘Spring Break’ Guest Stars Were Just As Tongue-In-Cheek As The Show Itself, And I’m Here For The Camp

Heidi Venable — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 03:29:43 +0000

Spoiler alert! This story discusses the April 3 episode of Doctor Odyssey, which can be streamed with a Hulu subscription if you haven't seen it and want to avoid spoilers.

With Ryan Murphy being the brains of the Doctor Odyssey operation, it’s no surprise that the medical storylines are always hilariously absurd, but ABC’s rookie medical drama is also developing a reputation for having some standout guest stars. The latest episode to hit the 2025 TV schedule, “Spring Break” brought some strong nepo baby energy with Ava Phillippe, Paris Jackson and Charlotte Lawrence — as well as TikToker Noah Beck — and I am here for this campy ridiculousness.

(Image credit: Ray Mickshaw/ABC)

Max Bankman Plays Doctor With Veronica, Victoria And Vanessa

Ava Phillippe, the daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, made her acting debut on Doctor Odyssey as Veronica — one of three self-proclaimed “vixens” determined to have a foursome with “Dr. DILF” (aka Joshua Jackson’s Max). Veronica was joined on the cruise by Vanessa (Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris) and Victoria (Charlotte Lawrence, daughter of Christa Miller and Bill Lawrence).

The wildly tongue-in-cheek character names only scratch the surface of what “Spring Break” had in store for us. After the vixens noted that Max was jogging “commando,” they invited him to their room for the “ride of his life.” The ship’s doctor — who Joshua Jackson has admitted struggles with boundaries — turned down the offer but didn’t even try to hide the fact that he was ogling them. (“I am but flesh and blood.” Ugh.)

But because this is Doctor Odyssey, Max did not spend his week mildly resisting the vixens’ advances but rather treating (and being treated for) their various medical emergencies. Paris Jackson’s Vanessa suffered an overdose when she snorted cocaine laced with fentanyl, and Charlotte Lawrence’s Victoria was paralyzed from the waist down after drinking and diving (not a typo) with an undiagnosed heart condition. What even is this show?

(Image credit: Tina Thorpe/ABC)

TikTok Star Noah Beck Wins For Week's Wildest Malady

The most eyebrow-raising medical condition of the week, however, didn’t come from one of the vixens. That honor would go to Steve, played by Noah Beck.

After Steve’s “cruller lost its cream filling” (a metaphor brought to us by Capt. Massey that made me want to scrub my brain with the same bleach they were using on the ship’s hot tub), Max thought it best if he went and talked to the young man about his premature ejaculation.

Whyyy? I can’t imagine Steve was too enthused (ha) to be having a conversation with this really involved ship doctor about his unexpected orgasms. I guess it was a good thing he did, though, because Max was able to get him diagnosed with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder and fix him up with some medicine that ensured it was safe for him to go back in the water. (Take that to mean whatever you want.)

If we’re going to have these ridiculous medical cases continue to pop up on The Odyssey, I love that we’re getting some fun casting decisions as well. Other notable guest stars on Doctor Odyssey’s premiere season have included Shania Twain (the second of the show’s unexpected pregnancies), John Stamos, Margaret Cho and, of course, Angela Bassett from the crossover with 9-1-1.

Who will show up on the cruise ship next? Tune in at 9 p.m. ET Thursdays on ABC to find out.

As The Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Rumored Delays, It May Take A Page From Wicked's Playbook As A Fix

Mike Reyes — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:19:39 +0000

As it currently stands, director Antoine Fuqua’s blockbuster biopic Michael is set to debut on the 2025 movie schedule, in an October 3rd release date. Save for one prior delay that pushed the film from its originally intended April 18th bow, we seemed to know what to expect from the Jaafar Jackson-starring musical.

But when rumored legal issues involving Michael’s third-act were invoked, that debut was called into question. While the latest rumor doesn’t confirm or deny a new move, Michael Jackson’s life story may try to replicate the success of Wicked in a novel way.

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Might Be Splitting Into Two Parts

Monitoring the progress of this year’s CinemaCon, there were two high profile absences from Tuesday’s Lionsgate panel: the supposedly scrapped Saw XI and the Training Day helmer’s historical drama. Seeing as Michael’s current release date is set for October 3rd, that’s a bit concerning. However, chatter out of Deadline suggests that the first cut of the picture clocked in at about four hours.

So since Wicked’s expansion of a known musical quantity has already made box office gold, there are now rumblings that Michael could be split into two parts itself. That move feels sound when it comes to trying to get Jackson’s life and times into a comprehensive, but viewable package. And if the supposed legal challenge that would require a massive reshoot/redraft of the final act is true, that substantial problem could be more easily handled.

(Image credit: Epic Records)

Lionsgate’s Potential Two-Part Split For Michael Makes Sense, Even If The Rumors Are Debunked

We know that Michael finished shooting earlier this year, which paired with the buzz from 2024’s CinemaCon footage had people hotly anticipating its debut. Depending on who you talk to, the rumored cause for this potential delay is due to how Jordan Chandler’s sexual abuse allegations against Jackson were legally prohibited from being depicted in any form.

The supposed problem lies in further claims noting that director Antoine Fuqua and writer John Logan’s movie reportedly banks its entire final act on that event, and the effects it had on the King of Pop. In a scenario where these claims are proven to be accurate, there would need to be a lot of work to right the ship. So having half a movie that’s finished and teasing the rest of the story would be a great compromise that allows such changes.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

At the same time, if those claims are false and Lionsgate is really just retooling for a new cinematic event, then Michael being split in two still stands to be a potential double win. The dramatic tension that’d come from leaving off on one of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits is something that you could see hyping fans up for the next round.

Not to mention, between doubling the awards season plays for this picture and riding the wave of audiences that continue to flock to Broadway’s MJ: The Musical, this hypothetical scenario starts to make a lot more sense. At least until you start to wonder what will happen if the proposed Michael: Part One doesn’t hit as anticipated.

We’ll be waiting for updates as this story develops, but for now Michael is set to debut as a singular motion picture, starting October 3rd. As for Wicked: For Good, we’ll see Elphaba and Glinda reunite on November 21st, as scheduled.

How To Watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson Online And Stream Documentary Sequel Now For Free From Anywhere

Daniel Pateman — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

How To Watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson Online

Release Date: Tuesday, March 18, at 9pm GMT

Free Stream: Channel 4 (UK) | TVNZ+ (NZ)

International Stream: YouTube (US and CA only) | Stan (AU)

Watch Anywhere: Stream from anywhere with NordVPN

Watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson – Synopsis

It’s been six years since Dan Reed’s controversial Leaving Neverland aired, documenting two men’s stories of childhood sexual abuse by former pop star Michael Jackson. Prompting both critical acclaim and condemnation, Reed’s sequel will continue to chart Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s fight for justice as they attempt to take Michael Jackson’s estate to court, and the subsequent emotional toll. Read on as we explain below how to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online and for free from anywhere.

Allegations that the Smooth Criminal-singer had sexually abused young boys were nothing new when Leaving Neverland debuted in 2019. Claims of his predatory behavior stretched back at least as far as the early '90s. But the detailed accounts of molestation that Robson and Safechuck confessed took place at Neverland Ranch still shocked and disturbed.

Initially, at Jackson’s highly-publicised 2005 trial, they defended their idol any wrongdoing. Only with the benefit of hindsight, and after both becoming fathers to young sons, could they comprehend the complex and devastating abuse they’d experienced. “Michael Jackson was one of the kindest, most loving people I knew,” Wade Robson told The Guardian the year Leaving Neverland was released. “He also sexually abused me for seven years.”

Reed’s emotionally-bruising film won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. But it also provoked the ire of Jackson’s most ardent fans, with Reed subsequently being inundated with hate mail and death threats.

Undeterred, Reed’s one-hour-long follow up Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson is guaranteed to get people talking once again. It’ll depict Safechuck and Robson’s ongoing journey to bring their claims against the Michael Jackson estate to court. These were twice thrown out by the California District Court. But, intent on holding companies MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures accountable for their complicity in multiple cases of child abuse, we’ll see them finally granted a civil trial, due to proceed in 2026.

Don’t miss this fascinating, headline-making sequel. Simply read the following guide for how to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online, airing for free in the UK and on YouTube elsewhere.

How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online free in the UK

(Image credit: Channel 4)

UK viewers can watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson on-demand via 100% free Channel 4’s catch-up service now after it was broadcast on linear TV on Tuesday, March 18.

You can access the on-demand Channel 4 service on desktop and through a number of devices via its app. While watching any live TV in the UK requires a TV licence, you won't need one for watching on catch-up. It's free to sign up to stream Channel 4. All you need is an email address and a UK postcode (e.g. SW1P 2TX).

Away from the UK and want to stream Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson? Use a VPN using the instructions below to access Channel 4 like you would at home.

How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online from anywhere

If you're a UK citizen on vacation or working overseas, you can still watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson just as you would at home.

While Channel 4 blocks access from IP addresses outside of the UK, there's a handy piece of software called a VPN which can change your IP address, allowing you to watch UK TV online by making it look like you're accessing streaming services from any country in the world.

For example, UK citizens currently in the States can subscribe to a VPN, join a UK-based server and tune into all the programmes on Channel 4 from anywhere in the world, just like you would back home.

Watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson as if you were at home with a VPN
Try out NordVPN, our choice of the best VPN for unblocking many of the major streaming services – and doing so speedily – including Channel 4. You'll be able to stream from any device, including your mobile or desktop, TV, or gaming console. Incredibly secure, too, get assistance with its 24/7 customer support and enjoy a 30-day money back guarantee.View Deal

How to use a VPN to unblock streaming services:

1. Choose your ideal VPN and install – our go-to recommendation for unblocking is NordVPN, costing from $3.99 a month with its 2-year plan

2. Connect to a server – for Channel 4, for example, you'll want to connect to a server based in the UK

3. Go to the stream you wish to access - for Leaving Neverland 2, head to Channel 4

How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online in the US

(Image credit: YouTube TV)

In North America, Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson was made available on YouTube on March 18 via the Real Stories channel. It's free to watch, but note that the sequel will only appear on the YouTube channel for those in the US.

Want an upgraded, ad-free experience? Subscribe to YouTube Premium. There’s a 30-day free trial for new members. After the promo period ends, there are various membership plans, including $7.99 for students or $13.99 for an individual subscription.

Traveling outside of the UK? If you’re trying to access Channel 4 on-demand but find yourself away from home, download a VPN to connect to your country’s streaming services from anywhere.

How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online in Canada

Canadian viewers can also watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson now through Little Dot Studios' Real Stories channel on YouTube, which is where this much-anticipated documentary sequel is FREE to stream.

A YouTube Premium membership allows you to ditch the ads and download content to watch on the go. There’s a 30-day trial if you’re new to the service, after which students can sign up for CA$7.99 a month, while purchasing an individual account would cost CA$12.99 a month.

Away from your usual streaming setup? Those currently abroad can download a VPN to access the sequel. Those outside of North America won't be able to access the documentary on YouTube.

How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online in Australia

(Image credit: Stan)

The original 2019 documentary is available to stream on Stan, with Dan Reed’s follow-up finding itself on the platform too. You can now stream Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson on the service.

Subscriptions to Stan start from $12 a month

Brit abroad? Those away from the UK can access Channel 4 on-demand with a VPN and watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson like they would normally.

How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online for free in New Zealand

(Image credit: TVNZ+)

Those in New Zealand can watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson through free service TVNZ+ where the 54 minute long sequel to the 2019 documentary is now available to stream.

Signing up and watching TVNZ+, as mentioned, is free. You just need to register an account and away you go.

Outside of New Zealand and want to access TVNZ+? Get yourself a VPN to port yourself home.

Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson Trailer

Where Can I Watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson?

UK viewers will want to go to Channel 4 to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson. Simply create an account and start streaming 100% free. However, you will need to be in possession of a valid TV license.

If you’re based in North America (US, Canada), head to the Real Stories channel via YouTube. There’s absolutely no charge to watch the hour-long documentary, although you can sign up to YouTube Premium if you’d prefer an ad-free experience.

NB: Purchase a VPN if you’re temporarily abroad. That way geo-restrictions won’t prevent you from streaming the unmissable TV content you’d access freely back in your home country.

I Just Found Out The Story Behind Why Super Bowl Shows Are So Spectacular Now, And Apparently, We Can Thank Michael Jackson

Lysa Rodriguez — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:34:20 +0000

The Super Bowl halftime show is quite the spectacle every year. Even for those who don’t follow or watch football, the question of who's performing is a topic of discussion. For many artists, getting to perform means a lot. This year provides an example, as Lil Wayne felt like he missed out when Kendrick Lamar was chosen to perform. How and why the halftime show is such a big spectacle is a solid question, and I found out it can be traced to one person -- Michael Jackson.

Before the late music icon's show in 1993, the halftime portion of the SB was largely considered a “lousy marching band event.” The King of Pop changed all of that by crafting a grandiose production at the Rose Bowl for Super Bowl XXVII that continues to set the standard for artists today. According to a joint Instagram post from Golden Era Stories and RnBass, the show's defining moment can be chalked up to a late-night phone call and a creative decision regarding the beginning of the show:

I want to determine when the show starts—I have a concept for the beginning.

At showtime, Michael Jackson delayed the start of his performance by two minutes, creating anticipation for the crowd by holding the start cue. He stood there, letting the energy of the audience build, despite the fact that he himself had not moved much outside of looking around at the space. As noted in the video:

He created this spectacular show, the halftime performance actually beat out the rating of the game, which had never happened before.

Michael Jackson Biopic Has Hit A Massive Setback Over 'Unusable' Ending

Mike Reyes — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:47:54 +0000

There are a lot of moving pieces that go into making something as massive as director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic. Unfortunately for all involved in this 2025 movie, what could be considered the greatest stumbling block for the picture has cropped up after the project has wrapped shooting. What we know about Michael has gotten a bit more complicated, as this massive issue not only leaves the film with an “unusable” ending, it could potentially sink the entire project.

The third act is where these problems come into play, as Puck (via The Independent) has reported that a good portion of writer John Logan’s script will now need to be rewritten and reshot. In the report, the cause for these woes are supposedly due to Michael’s depiction of the allegations involving “sexual offensive contacts” with 13 year old Jordan Chandler.

As it turns out, the Michael Jackson estate made an agreement with the Chandler family to never “dramatize” those events. The Lionsgate film slated for release on October 3rd apparently does just that, and in the following manner that’s cited in the report:

[The ending] hinges specifically on the impact of the Chandler circus … In the script I read – which I’m told was close to final, but obviously these things are often revised – a tense sequence involves Branca (Teller), Johnnie Cochran (Derek Luke), and other Jackson lawyers discussing whether to pay off Chandler and his family. … At one point, the lawyers play the infamous recording, submitted in court, of Jordan’s father threatening to leverage his son’s accusations to ‘destroy’ his ex-wife and Jackson’s career.

Complicating matters even further, there’s a bit of a fork in the road for Michael’s journey to the big screen. With an estimated $155 million production spend already on the books, and filming wrapped as of May 2024, retooling the Jaafar Jackson-led film is going to be complicated. Though sources are “confident” that an agreement will be reached, failure to do so would be a serious problem.

It may still be early days for this movie’s promotion cycle, but it wasn’t too early for Michael’s 2024 CinemaCon footage to start wowing people last spring. While reshoots and rewrites are common in the world of film production, the challenges facing this project are rather unique.

(Image credit: Optimum Productions)

To reiterate: an entire version of this movie was written, and filmed, depicting real life events that need to be handled with the utmost sensitivity. With further details involving Michael’s third act and “traumatizing strip searches” conducted on Michael Jackson, that sentiment cannot be understated.

A fine line needs to be walked to overhaul the ending to Michael, but at the moment, it's still in play for its October 3, 2025 debut. Further updates on the matter will tell if this release date holds up, or if the upcoming music biopic is released at all. With a year ahead that has at least one more major entry in that subgenre, thanks to everything we know about the Bruce Springsteen biopic, the clock continues to tick on this hotly anticipated motion picture.

Ahead Of The Michael Jackson Biopic, Colman Domingo’s Comments About Needing To ‘Transform’ Into Joe Jackson Have Me Intrigued

Lysa Rodriguez — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:38:40 +0000

As we get closer to the release of Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, more behind-the-scenes tidbits from the film are being revealed. Details on the cast and crew are known and, with that, this production has the potential to be a solid movie. Among the ensemble is Colman Domingo, who's playing Joe Jackson. Now, the actor is opening up about the physical transformation he underwent for the film, and it's very intriguing.

The fan-favorite Euphoria actor recently caught up with W magazine to discuss his role in the awards season darling Sing Sing. During the discussion, Colman Domingo also fielded a question about his role as the Jackson family's patriarch. The star was specifically asked if there was anything he could share, seeing as Michael is set to hit theaters amid the 2025 movie schedule. His answer was unexpected, to say the least, as he gave us a taste of what went in to making him look like the late talent manager:

When people see me as Joe Jackson, they're going to notice that I don't look like myself at all. I completely transform. My skin is lighter because Joe was a bit more fair-skinned. I had prosthetics on top of my head above my eye, and my nose is different. And then the costumes. We really leaned into the different periods of Joe, where he was a little bit younger and slicker and a bit more of the hustle. And then when he started to have his little pooch, I needed that pooch. And the pants were riding right underneath, like all the men that I know that wear their bellies proud.

More on Michael

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

3 Things I Do Want To See in Antoine Fuqua's Upcoming Michael Jackson Movie, And 3 Things I Definitely Don't Want To See

Visual effects and makeup teams have my full respect. We talk a lot about how difficult the processes are for actors, and rightfully so, but so much credit should also go to these skilled artisans. Their work helps to transport viewers, in a way, and allow them to see actors in a totally different light. When you think about practical effects, consider the process involved in transforming Colin Farrell into the Penguin or turning Walton Goggins into Fallout's the Ghoul. All in all, I love hearing that so much time and effort is being put into the effects for Michael.

Colman Domingo's comments on the process are very interesting, especially when you consider that he's not really known for performing makeup-heavy roles. Fans probably shouldn't be worried about his performance, though. Domingo is certainly a skilled actor and can certainly convey his talents even under prosthetics.

The Madness star aside, Antoine Fuqua has assembled a strong ensemble for his musical biopic. Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar, has been cast to play his uncle and seems like a perfect fit for the role. Nia Long is also playing matriarch Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller is assuming the role of agent/manager John Branca.

While some may have concerns about Michael and how it will handle some of its subject matter, I remain very interested to see what Antoine Fuqua and co. have in store. That includes Colman Domingo's performance as Joe Jackson. I look forward to the moment we receive our first official glimpse at him in the role. For now, know that the film opens in theaters on October 3, 2025.

I Watched Michael Jackson Movies For Most Of My Life, And This Is What It Was Like Growing Up With Each Of Them

Rich Knight — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:04:00 +0000

I, like many ‘90s kids, grew up with Michael Jackson. We’d see him all the time, either on MTV, or just in the news in general. There have been some unsavory allegations about him, which were covered in the documentary Leaving Neverland, but as an adult, I can still look back fondly upon my formative years and what Jackson, the artist, meant to me.

Because no lie, I still bump Mike to this very day. Of course I think about his musical career, but he also made a huge impact on me in the movies as well. I’m greatly looking forward to the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, and I just wanted to talk about what it was like for me growing up with him in movies.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

The Wiz: I Never Knew How Multi-Multi Talented MJ Could Be

I talked about this recently when I went over six Oz-related movies to see before Wicked, but Michael Jackson is in The Wiz.

For those who’ve never heard of it before, The Wiz is an urban adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.

The 1978 theatrical version starred Diana Ross, Nispey Russell, Ted Ross, Richard Pryor, and yes, Jackson. Interestingly enough, the "Thriller" singer plays Scarecrow (though, I think he might have been better as the Tin Man, given what I’ll talk about in my next entry).

I actually saw The Wiz after I heard Thriller in its entirety. This was around 1988 or so since I was born in ‘83, and my mom, seeing that I was obsessed with MJ, asked if I wanted to watch a movie. She didn’t tell me that Jackson was in it, so when he first appears in the film, heavily made up and assaulted by human crows, I vividly remember narrowing my eyes and thinking, Is that Michael?

All he had to do was open his mouth, though, and I then knew. Surprisingly, what impressed me the most was just how wiggly he was. Yes, I knew he was a stellar dancer and singer, but I totally bought into MJ being a scarecrow who couldn’t quite get it together, even when it came to walking, as he had a sort of stumbling gait. It proved to me that this man couldn’t just dance and sing. He could act, as well.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Moonwalker: I Learned Just How Terrifying MJ Could Be

I've talked about this already in my article on why Moonwalker scarred me as a child, but yeah, this movie scared the everloving crap out of me as a kid.

It was mostly the scene where MJ turns INTO A FREAKING ROBOT toward the end. This is why I think he would have been better off as the Tin Man rather than the Scarecrow in The Wiz, since the image of him as a huge hunk of metal is emblazoned in my brain.

In this scene, people shoot at him, and he returns fire with missiles, blowing them to hell. It’s truly surreal. However, upon watching it again as an adult, it truly reminds me of just how terrifying I once thought Jackson was after seeing this movie. And, it’s not just the robot scene, either. It’s also the famous “Smooth Criminal” segment, where he's acting like a straight up gangster, firing away with a tommy gun while people screamed.

I saw this movie at an impressionable age, and it solidified in my mind that Jackson was BADASS. Speaking of "bad," this was around the same time when I listened to the Bad album and saw that killer video where he’s in the subway, decked out in leather.

Later on, his image would change dramatically and he would show his softer side more (“Stranger in Moscow,” for instance, is lowkey my favorite MJ song). That said, Moonwalker made me believe that he was the baddest (and somewhat scariest) man on the planet at the time.

(Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

Captain EO: I Learned Just How Much Cooler MJ Was Than I Ever Imagined

Not too long ago, I ranked Francis Ford Coppola’s best movies. And, while the Godfather trilogy, and one of the best war movies ever made, Apocalypse Now, made the list, one other movie that some might scoff at was Captain EO.

But, you know what? Captain EO freaking kicks ass. Essentially just another Star Wars rip-off for its extremely short run-time, the movie separates itself by giving Jackson an amazing choreographed dance scene toward the end. I mean, I knew he was cool and all, but I didn’t know he was this cool.

Because here was Jackson, not only dancing for himself, but also for the entire world. Not only that, but he was leading an army of dancers who were here to chaaaange theeee world.(They’re gonna change the world!)

Plus, not only did they kill it with that song, they also ended the movie with my SECOND favorite MJ track, “Another Part of Me.”

I was lucky enough to see this film at a young age, and also lucky enough to see it at Disney World (In glorious 4D!) before they closed it forever. Man…MJ was just the coolest!

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Men In Black II: I Learned Just How Silly MJ Could Be

I think a lot of people are in agreement that Men in Black II is the worst movie in the franchise. Either that, or Men in Black: International. But, whereas the latter is kind of bland, MIB II just feels like a lesser version of the first movie, so it’s the most forgettable in the series.

Well, that is until Michael Jackson shows up for a scant few seconds. I honestly could not believe what I was seeing when I first saw his scene in the film.

By 2002, when the movie came out, Jackson had long shed the bad boy persona he had built in movies like Captain EO or Moonwalker. This was also long past the “Black or White” music video era, where MJ went ballistic on a car like this was a bonus round of Final Fight or something.

No, by the early 2000s, sad to say as it was, MJ was kind of a punchline. However, it wasn’t until I saw MIB II that I realized that you know what? MJ wasn’t taking himself seriously, so why should I? This was actually really cathartic to me at the time, since he seemed so cool when I was a kid, and I felt like even though I still liked his music by the early 2000s (I actually enjoy Invincible), I was kind of growing tired of him as an artist.

However, seeing him plead to be Agent M in this movie really made my heart happy, and I learned that he could be more than just what I always thought he was. He could also be really goofy.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

This Is It: I Learned To Process MJ's Death With This Film

I’ll never forget the day Jackson died. I was on the way to Boston with my then-girlfriend-now-wife and I had heard that Farrah Fawcett had died, which of course sucked, only to hear a few hours later that Michael Jackson had died also.

I told my girlfriend to stop the car. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. It took a while for me to process his death, and I listened to MJ nearly nonstop shortly after his passing. In a lot of ways, I kind of didn't want to see him ever again, and also wanted to see nothing but him. His death really made me reflect on just how much of a presence he had in my life since as far back as I could remember, and it didn’t feel right. I mean, Michael Jackson? Dead? How?

So, when the concert documentary film, This Is It, came out, I kept away from the film for the first few weeks. His death was still too fresh in my mind, given that he died in June of 2009, and the film debuted in October 2009.

However, seeing it really helped me process his death. The film is beautiful in that he was so full of life there, and it looked like it was going to be a really great concert until his untimely passing. Still, it helped me remember that even though people may die, art never does, and This Is It will always be a reminder of that for me.

Big Brother’s Brooklyn Rivera Talks About Being Compared To Michael Jackson And The Surprising Parts Of Her Storyline In Season 26

mick.joest@CinemaBlend.com (Mick Joest) — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:27:03 +0000

Warning! The following contains spoilers from the Big Brother live feeds as of Monday, August 26th. Stream the live feeds with a Paramount+ subscription or on Pluto TV and read at your own risk!

Brooklyn Rivera was positioned well in the Big Brother 26 house, but Tucker Larurier's Week 5 Head of Household reign sent her out the door thanks to some scheming. Now she's watching the game back home in Texas, and yes, she told CinemaBlend she's aware of all the memes she inspired, has seen the jokes about being a mom, and she even talked to us about being compared to Michael Jackson.

The Houseguest was gracious enough to speak to me shortly after dropping her children off at school, and we got into the grind of catching up on what was happening in the outside world. Brooklyn has been online and seen all the memes, and so I had to ask her about if she's seen the ones of people comparing her to Michael Jackson. She shared her thoughts and the Houseguest she blames for making that happen:

I have seen that I am being compared to Michael Jackson, which, you know, there could be worse, right? There could be worse. I will take it. The resemblance I guess it's up to your eye as you see. I think Cam mentioned it, and I'm like, ‘Cam, I'm gonna have a bone to pick with you when we get out of here,’ but I love him and Chelsea dearly, and I'm rooting for both of them.

There's something hilariously validating about Cam Sullivan-Brown making that comparison to the King of Pop when in the house and having no clue people were also making that joke on the outside. It also seemed like she took it all in stride, realizing how the online fandom of Big Brother works.

No doubt she was delighted to learn, Cam won the Week 6 veto, and that he and Chelsie Baham are largely safe for the remainder of the week. Of course, she expressed to CinemaBlend she'd sooner be back in the house competing, and is still wondering how her blindside eviction came to be. In between that, she can't help but compliment the people who watched her game and made jokes along the way. She does take issue with how some people viewed the charcuterie board incident with Angela Murray, however, and set the record straight:

Y'all have jokes. So do I. I didn't know that my storyline would be a meat and cheese tray and that I'm a mom from Texas, but here we are. About the meat and cheese tray, that was actually MJ that brought all the meats out. I said, ‘Hey, I'm good at making them!’ Angela said, ‘Sure you can have them.’ A lot of it was actually Cedric's. He had just walked out the door, and she had become a have-not because she couldn't stay on the wall long enough. And you know, the whole house ate meat and cheeses, but I'll take the blame for it. I said I'll send her a board when she gets addicted. It's ok.

Those streaming Big Brother's live feeds likely know the television edit didn't tell the whole story, though I'm not sure I even knew watching the live feeds that most of the meat and cheese was from Cedric Hodges' HOH week. I'm not sure anyone would be surprised to find out Angela was a tad dramatic in her reaction to it all, given the lack of food and her generally being that way in Season 26.

Brooklyn is back to normal life for the moment, but I can't wait to see her at the Big Brother finale. In our brief conversation, it's clear to me that she still has an axe to grind with many other Houseguests, which could make for an exciting finale. That's the hope anyway because I feel like if any finale needs three hours for the cast to air it all out, it's this one.

Big Brother continues on CBS on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET and on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET. This season is too good to miss a single episode, so make sure to mark those calendars!

As The Michael Jackson Biopic Receives Criticism, Colman Domingo Shares His Take

Carly Levy — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 01:25:19 +0000

When it was announced that Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King would be making a Michael Jackson biopic, he said it wouldn’t be a “sanitized” version of the musician’s life. The upcoming 2025 movie will not only show how Jackson took the music business by storm, but it’ll also cover his troubled childhood and the sexual abuse allegations covered in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. But after the musical biopic Michael experienced early criticism, Colman Domingo, one of its stars, shared his take on those reviews.

Colman Domingo, who received his first Oscar nomination for Rustin, will be playing a key role in the Michael Jackson biopic as “the controversial patriarch of the Jackson family,” Joe Jackson. While Michael has experienced early criticism, Domingo spoke with ET at the 2024 BET Awards shutting down any negativity the movie has faced:

My message is Michael Jackson is undeniably one of the most prolific artists that has ever been on this planet. And he's a complicated human being and I think what the film will do is tell the story of a very complicated person. So I feel like everyone has a story, and I feel like everyone has a story to tell. So that’s what we’re gonna do, strive to tell it in the best way we could.

Telling the story of a “complicated human being” has the potential of hitting some audience members the wrong way. For instance, critics have so far been talking about the scenes that cover Michael Jackson’s history with sexual abuse allegations. As his lawyers and his estate have denied the allegations, Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed has called the upcoming biopic “disingenuous” to Variety, believing the script was aiming “to convince you Michael is innocent.”

Despite the early criticism Michael has gotten, Colman Domingo still has faith in his project. He continued to tell ET that his focus is centered on the art of the new movie and telling the multi-layered story of a celebrated musician:

I think it will be [complicated movie]. And it will also be entertaining, and I think it also will be something that, I don’t know, will shine a different light on Michael Jackson.

What we know so far about the Michael biopic is that director Antoine Fuqua plans to tell the facts about Michael Jackson in terms of the good and bad he endured in his life. Audiences will get a glimpse into his early bout of fame joining his siblings in the musical group the Jackson 5, as well as releasing some of the most famous albums of all time, like Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad. But the movie apparently doesn't shy away from the complicated history the pop culture icon faced, like his legal troubles and other allegations he dealt with before his death in 2009.

Among the things I hope to see in Michael is the struggle period before Michael Jackson’s breakthrough album Off the Wall came out. This way, audiences can see the honest depiction of the “Beat It” singer not achieving instant fame right away, and that he had to take a few steps before getting there. It would also be nice to see the sweet interactions he had with the Jackson siblings, including Janet Jackson, with whom he was very close. Even looking into the best-selling artist’s affliction of vitiligo would bring great awareness to the skin condition that we don’t see often on the big screen.

Another reason why Colman Domingo thinks we should be very excited for Michael is the chance to see the late singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson play the lead role. He believes audiences will be “blown away” by the 27-year-old’s performance as he channels his uncle. I can understand that since based on the first-look Instagram photo Antoine Fuqua posted of his lead, it’s like you can’t even tell the difference between the two.

The Michael Jackson biopic may be facing early criticism, but Colman Domingo has a lot of faith in it. As the Billboard Top 100 artist led a very complicated life, Domingo believes the movie did a great job portraying the good and bad elements of Jackson’s life. Be prepared to bust into a moonwalk to see Michael in theaters on April 18th, 2025.

The Michael Jackson Biopic Is Now Filming, And The Producer Says It Will Cover Michael’s 'Complicated' Legacy

Erik Swann — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 21:24:16 +0000

Music biopics are set for 2024 and beyond, as it seems that this specific category of films has seen an uptick of sorts as of late. A title on the docket that’s starting to drum up buzz, is the Michael Jackson-centered film, Michael, which is being helmed by Antoine Fuqua. Thanks to reports that dropped earlier this year, the public has received behind-the-scenes details on the production. Now, Fuqua’s latest theatrical effort is in the midst of filming ahead of its 2025 release date. All the while, producer Graham King has teased what viewers can expect from the movie, saying that it’s going to tackle Jackson’s “complicated” legacy.

Some select individuals were able to see the first footage of Michael during Lionsgate’s presentation at CinemaCon this past week. CinemaBlend was among the outlets in attendance and was present when Graham King addressed the audience. He noted that when it comes to a biopic, “there’s added expectation to represent …what’s faithful to the subject.” The veteran producer then went on to discuss the approach taken with the Jackson-focused film, which is apparently halfway through production. And, based on his sentiments, he and his collaborators aren’t looking to create a one-dimensional piece of work:

Well, guys, there’s biopics and then there’s Michael Jackson. An enigma full of eccentricities, electrifying talent, arguably the most famous entertainer to ever move across the planet. and yet behind the unrelenting truth, accusations and blinding media spotlight he was simply a man. A man who lived a very complicated life. The movie will get into all of it.

62-year-old Graham King is no stranger to biopics, as he notably served as a producer on the historical dramas Ali and The Young Victoria. And, as far as music-infused biographical films go, he produced Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. The movie received mixed reviews but won four Oscars, including Best Actor for Rami Malek. So King has been around the block and seems to be aiming to deliver a nuanced examination of the “Billie Jean” singer.

More on Michael

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

The Michael Jackson Biopic Just Got An Unexpected Vote Of Confidence From A Major Studio Exec

A truly stellar cast has been assembled for Michael, and it’s led by the late Grammy winner’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who’s playing his uncle. Nia Long and Colman Domingo have also been cast and are playing the roles of Katherine and Joe Jackson, respectively. Playing the role of Michael’s manager and attorney, John Branca, is Miles Teller, who broke his silence on the casting in March and expressed his eagerness to be a part of the production. Other members of the ensemble include Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, Kat Graham, Jessica Sula and Kendrick Sampson.

While there are some firm pieces in place for this motion picture, it’s far too early to say whether it’ll hit the right notes like its subject did for so many years. And I already imagine that hardcore fans are going to analyze the film closely. Some have already made clear what they want in a Michael Jackson biopic and what they aren’t looking for. Still, Graham King seems confident in what’s planned and, should the film play as well as the first footage apparently did at CinemaCon, he may have something special on his hands.

Michael is set to open in theaters on April 18, 2025 and, in the meantime, you can check out the 2024 movie schedule to plan your next trip to the cinema.

We Just Saw Exclusive Footage From The Michael Jackson Biopic, And It Left Me With A Major Concern

Sean O'Connell — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 22:56:58 +0000

Where does one even begin when trying to tell the story of Michael Jackson? It’s a question being posed by producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Aviator) as he took to the stage in Las Vegas to tease Michael as part of Lionsgate’s presentation at CinemaCon 2024. The studio saved Michael for last – partly because the movie will not be coming out until 2025, but also because it’s very clearly an important component of the upcoming Lionsgate slate. On a panel that rolled out the first look at the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, a better look at both The Crow and Borderlands, and news about Blumhouse tackling The Blair Witch, Michael closed the show. And while the footage was impressive, it did raise an important question that I still need answered.

This was the world’s first official look at Michael, and it showcased the physicality and prowess of Jaafar Jackson, who has been cast in the role. But Jackson, Michael’s nephew, will only play the King of Pop in the later stages of his career, as Michael has also cast Juliano Krue Valdi to play Jackson 5 era Michael. The film is going to cover a massive span. Just how much? That’s a big part of my question.

Michael Jackson, arguably, was one of our most famous celebrities, ever. He was famous from a young age, and had a global career that spanned decades. The footage that we saw stretched all the way back to the Jackson family’s beginnings in Indiana, and seemed to cover the Jackson 5 days. Then, we ran through a montage of moments set to some of Jackson’s greatest hits. Man in the Mirror. Beat It. Bad. The Way You Make Me Feel. Some biopics focus on a moment in an artist’s career. Michael appears to be attempting to devour the entirety of his accomplishments, and I’m just not sure how possible that is.

My major concern, though, is the way that Bohemian Rhapsody handled Freddie Mercury’s (and Queen’s) rock legacy with kid gloves. The approach made the band uncomfortable initially, and they realized that they had to be involved to make sure the story got told right. But that meant spotlighting the highlights, and glossing over the controversies. Can one even do that with Michael Jackson?

As prolific of an artist as he was (and no one is questioning his musical genius), Jackson came with a lot of off-stage baggage. And while Graham King assured attendees from the CinemaCon stage that the movie won’t shy away from the controversial moments in Jackson’s life, I remain genuinely curious how deep into those dark corners Michael will go. Our own Rich Knight broke down elements of Michael’s life that he does (and does not) want to see in this movie. I remain curious about how many will make it in. Is this movie a celebration, or an examination? The trailer suggested the former… which is fine. But you can’t ignore the latter completely.

Hollywood walks that line all the time, from Elvis to… well, Walk the Line. We will continue to track the progress of Michael to see what kind of story Antonie Fuqua is setting out to tell. The movie hits theaters, for now, on April 18, 2025.

Miles Teller Breaks Silence On Joining The Michael Jackson Biopic

Ryan LaBee — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 15:31:03 +0000

There are a ton of upcoming music biopics, but few intrigue me more than the highly anticipated movie about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. We have a few things we know about Michael, which it’s titled, such as the casting of Colman Domingo and Nia Long in the critical roles of MJ’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, respectively. Adding to the star power is Miles Teller, who has been cast as John Branca, Jackson’s longstanding manager and an entertainment lawyer. The Top Gun: Maverick star recently broke his silence on being part of this high-profile project, even sharing some insight into how he's preparing for the gig.

In a video shared to Variety’s Instagram, the actor can be seen catching up with the outlet while attending the Vanity Fair Oscars party following this year's event. The 37-year-old star was asked about the film potentially covering the late singer's legal issues and the allegations of sexual abuse. While Miles Teller didn't explicitly name those issues when responding, he did discuss the considerations he had to make before taking on the part. The Whiplash star said:

Before I choose any role, I consider everything about it, you know? I think you only get so many opportunities in this business to make films. And so, I’m really excited to be a part of it. I think it’s going to blow people away.

Musical biopics have certainly seen some big business, following the success of Elvis and this year’s surprise box office triumph of Bob Marley: One Love. There's also the eagerly awaited Back to Black, which focuses on Amy Winehouse. This pattern shows no sign of slowing down, and it makes sense that we finally have a serious biography of one of the most influential musical artists of all time.

The Fantastic Four alum later shared some insight on how he is preparing for the role. He also delivered a message to those who might have mixed feelings about the production:

I think you just try to inundate yourself with as much information as you can. I’ve gotten to meet Branca, gotten to hang out with him a little bit, Antoine [Fuqua], Graham King. It’s an incredible team involved. And, regardless of what your opinion may be, Michael is one of the greatest to ever do it, if not the greatest, and he deserves a movie to be made.

The star is spot on about the remarkable team assembled for the Michael Jackson biopic. The cast features Jafaar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew who’s playing his late pop star uncle. Behind the camera, Antoine Fuqua of Training Day and the Equalizer franchise fame directs, while John Logan, known for his work on Gladiator, penned the screenplay. Graham King, the force behind Bohemian Rhapsody, is producing the film under his GK Films banner, ensuring the project is in esteemed hands.

I'm interested in seeing what the cast manages to bring to their roles, and that includes Miles Teller. Considering that he's been hanging out with the real John Branca, one would think that he's hoping to bring a strong level of authenticity to the proceedings. Here's hoping that he manages to turn in another strong performance in what could be a truly show-stopping film.

Michael is currently in production and will be released in theaters on April 18, 2025. While you wait for more information on the film, revisit Miles Teller’s most recent work in Spiderhead with a Netflix subscription or his 2022 box office smash, Top Gun: Maverick, which is available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription. Also, be sure to check out our 2024 movie schedule to see what's headed to a theater near you.

The Michael Jackson Biopic Just Got An Unexpected Vote Of Confidence From A Major Studio Exec

Erik Swann — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:40:37 +0000

With the critical acclaim of Elvis, the box office success of Bob Marley: One Love and the imminent release of the Amy Winehouse film Back to Black, musical biopics seem to be in. The trend is only set to continue in 2025, as the year will be marked by the release of a biographical film centered around Michael Jackson. The film, which is being directed by Antoine Fuqua is in production now and, all the while, BTS tidbits have been dropping. While way too early for any of us to actually speak to the quality of the movie, it just received an unexpected vote of confidence from a major studio executive.

Michael is being distributed in the United States by Lionsgate, which is headed up by CEO Jon Feltheimer. It’s been reported that Feltheimer recently purchased some shares of the company by way of the open market. It’s an interesting move, and one that begs some questions in regard to his motivation. But, if you were to ask the company’s vice chair, Michael Burns, it can be chalked up to the upcoming biopic. Burns recalled how Feltheimer reacted after visiting the set:

He is pretty fiscally conservative in many ways and so that was actually interesting to see him do it, and I swear he bought it because he went to the set — we are shooting the Michael Jackson movie on the Sony lot – and he just came back and just said, ‘This thing is going to be incredible.’

Now, it’s definitely not out of the ordinary for a Hollywood bigwig like Michael Burns to talk up his company’s own production while talking to a trade like Deadline. However, to hear that his colleague apparently bought them around the time that he visited the set of the film is intriguing. I mean, if Jon Feltheimer’s purchase was indeed spurred by what he saw on the set, then it speaks volumes to what the cast and crew are doing.

How I Hope Usher's Super Bowl Halftime Show Gives Janet Jackson Redemption For Nipplegate

Nick Venable — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:55:36 +0000

Super Bowl LVIII marks 20 years since one of sports-entertainment’s most infamous moments, Nipplegate, and while Justin Timberlake finally offered apologies back in 2021, many people no doubt feel like it wasn’t really enough to reverse the damage done to Janet Jackson’s life and career. With Usher set to take the big stage performing for this year’s Halftime Show, I think it’s a perfect opportunity for the Grammy-winning fave to let Jackson reclaim her glory.

I Want To See Janet Jackson Performing With Usher

This isn’t just a pipe dream spawned out of the ethers, mind you. When Usher appeared on Good Morning America to discuss his Super Bowl LVIII performance plans, he revealed the show will pay tribute to R&B as a whole, and teased that he’s keeping in mind all of the artists who helped him reach the most-watched stage in all of pop culture, through both professional and emotional support.

So if we expand that idea to consider Usher performing medleys of R&B classics, as well as his own platinum-selling albums, then there’s the possibility that his set could include an entire section dedicated to just the Jackson family. From the Jackson 5’s reign in the ‘60s and ‘70s to Michael and Janet’s respectively successful solo careers in the ‘80s and ‘90s, their impact on pop, R&B, soul, funk and more can’t be denied.

Thus, the moment would be a perfect point to bring Janet Jackson herself out to join Usher in paying tribute to her family’s massive legacy. And in a way that puts all the focus on her music and her artistry, and not on her boobs or any other body parts, whether they’re covered up or not.

Of course, there are also ways to approach the controversy in a tongue-in-cheek way, should they so choose. Such as Janet wearing a top with hand-prints over the chest (similar to her iconic Rolling Stone cover) or something in that vein. But I think it would be far more powerful if all things Justin Timberlake were completely ignored. No need to give him any good or bad press because of it if he’s not involved.

It's Perfect Timing With Justin Timberlake Gearing For New Album And Tour

If Usher invited Janet Jackson into his Super Bowl LVIII performance, it could have a weirdly catastrophic effect on Justin Timberlake’s career in 2024 and beyond. In a feat of interesting timing, the N’Sync vet is currently in the process of promoting his upcoming album Everything I Thought I Was, his first since 2018’s Man of the Woods. Which itself is coming after a lot of the singer’s past drama with Britney Spears came to light, including her having an abortion when they were still together.

To be fair, Janet Jackson says they’re friends, that she and Timberlake have moved on with their lives, and that the entire shebang was “blown way out of proportion” at the time. But I still hope there’s a way to give her full-blown redemption for the world to see.

Usher And Janet Jackson Are Already Set To Play The Same Festival This Year

Interestingly enough, Usher and Janet Jackson will 100% be crossing paths just a little later in 2024, as both are co-headlining the 2024 Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas on May 4. The former is set to perform his 2004 album Confessions for as an anniversary nod, with a slew of other artists performing, including Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, TLC and more.

Who else is headlining that festival? None other than the Backstreet Boys, the biggest boy band rival for Justin Timberlake’s N’Sync. Coincidence? Not exactly, since these are all hugely popular musicians in the pop/R&B space, but still fun to think about.

With a Taylor Swift halftime show no doubt coming in the future at some point, fans can look forward to seeing Usher bringing all the rhythm and blues he can pack into Allegiant Stadium when Super Bowl LVIII takes place on Sunday, February 11. Anyone who won’t be tuning into the game can check out our 2024 TV premiere schedule to see what new shows are worth catching up on instead.

Michael: Release Date, Cast, And Other Things We Know About Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson Movie, Including The Trailer

Alexandra Ramos — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:04:40 +0000

The next music biopic coming out of Hollywood is Michael, from director Antoine Fuqua. There is no need even to explain who "Michael" is, right? We all know there is only one Michael, it could be—the legendary Michael Jackson. The movie has been years in the making, and we're finally going to see it as part of the 2026 movie schedule.

The movie is set to be released soon, so here is everything we know about the upcoming biopic, including the film's full trailer, the cast, and when you'll be able to see it.

What Is The Michael Release Date?

(Image credit: Epic Records)

Michael will be released on April 24th, 2026. Though it original scheduled for late 2025, by early in the year, it was clear that the movie was not going to hit its original scheduled release date and required some extensive (and expensive) reshoots. This was the second time the release had been delayed, as it was initially planned for Spring 2025. So we're finally getting it about a year later than we thought we would.

The Michael Cast

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

The cast for Michael is great, including some well-known stars and some exciting newcomers, like Jaafar Jackson, who is playing Jacko himself.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Variety confirmed in January 2023 that Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will portray the iconic singer in Michael.

The actor is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson's oldest brother, and a part of the Jackson 5, which started Michael on the road to super fame in the first place. Jaafar shared his excitement for the role on Twitter, saying he was "humbled and honored" to be playing his uncle.

After watching the trailers and some of the behind-the-scenes footage that has been released, there is no question that Antoine Fuqua was correct when he commented on Jaafar Jackson's casting in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in August 2023. Jackson is the spitting image of his uncle in every way, as Fuqua said:

It's uncanny how much he's like Michael. Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It's really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.

This will be Jaafar Jackson's first movie, which is remarkable enough in and of itself. Such high praise from Fuqua sets a bar to meet, but after seeing the teaser, which was released in November, it looks like he'll pull it off. The full trailer, which was released in February 2026, confirms it.

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

In late January 2024, it was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter that Colman Domingo had signed on to play Joe Jackson, the famous patriarch of the Jackson Family. Domingo has had an incredible run over the last few years. He's been nominated for Best Actor at the last two Oscars, first for 2023's Rustin, and then last year for Sing Sing. He has yet to take home the trophy, but that seems like a matter of time.

A complicated role like Joe Jackson, who was a controversial figure to say the least, might just be the exact kind of role to make that win happen.

Nia Long as Katherine Jackson

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

In late January 2024, Deadline announced that Nia Long would take on the role of Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother. She starred as Lisa on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and had a leading role in Empire. And, of course, her many film roles in movies like the '90s stoner classic Friday, Soul Food, and one of the legendary and controversial Boyz n the Hood.

Long spoke to People about how much playing Katherine has meant to her:

It was an opportunity of a lifetime — and not kind of a dream come true, a dream come true

Katherine, who will turn 96 not long after the film is released, was a huge figure in Michael Jackson's life, and there is no question that this will be an important piece in the puzzle that is Michael.

Miles Teller as John Branca

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Judging by the one quick shot of Miles Teller as John Branca in the Michael trailer, he looks a lot different than we'd usually expect. With long black hair, he does look a lot like the real-life Branca, who served as Jackson's lawyer and manager for years, and continues to administer the late King of Pop's estate.

Teller isn't a stranger to music movies, having crushed his role as a drummer in Whiplash in 2014, nor is he unfamiliar with playing real-life people, as he showed in The Offer, which you can watch with a Paramount+ subscription.

The Other Four Members Of The Jackson 5

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Judah Edwards, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will play Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie, respectively, in their younger years. The older versions of the brothers will be played by Jamal R. Henderson, Tre Horton, Rhyan Hill, and Joseph David-Jones, respectively.

Additional Cast Members

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

There have been some other actors confirmed for the film, including:

Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran
Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark
Kat Graham as Diana Ross
Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray

One name you might be wondering why it isn't on the list is Janet Jackson. Michael's sister, and perhaps the second most-famous member of the family, won't appear as a character in the movie, according to Variety.

Additionally, two of Michael Jackson's three children, Paris and Bigi (who was once called "Blanket"), were not involved in the production at all. His oldest, Prince, was, however, though he is not expected to appear as a character.

What Michael Will Be About

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Michael Jackson has a heck of a history, from his time as a young child star in the Jackson 5 to his vast career as a solo artist, releasing some of the most famous albums of all time. He's also had a lot of legal trouble as well, and several allegations thrown his way, even more than a decade after his death. Though most of the controversy will not be included here.

As reported by Variety, the story will follow the star's life, from his rise to fame to the complicated life he faced as a result. It will include some of the "personal struggles" fame brought. In March 2024, in a statement to Variety, Graham King, one of the producers on the movie, talked about how the film will take an unbiased look into the pop star’s life, and that while Jackson was a “complicated” person, he still had a legacy “worth exploring.”

Michael’s life was complicated. As a filmmaker, I look to humanize but not sanitize and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it. Michael clearly remains an impactful, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.

While the film may be unbiased, we now know that the more controversial aspects of Michael Jackson's life won't be included in this big-screen story. The story will focus on his origins in Gary, Indiana, and follow his path to global domination as a pop star in the 1980s. The major controversies that followed in the '90s and beyond will not be portrayed here.

That will likely (understandably) upset some people, but when a movie like this is made with the full cooperation of the people who are in charge of a deceased star's legacy, it's hardly unexpected. Will that make the movie still worthwhile? I think so, yes.

Antoine Fuqua Directed

(Image credit: Sony)

As discussed above, Antoine Fuqua will be directing Michael. The director has been behind many popular franchises, including The Equalizer trilogy. Some of his other movies you might have heard of include King Arthur, The Guilty, The Magnificent Seven, Brooklyn's Finest, and Emancipation.

Fuqua has also worked as a producer on other films, such as Infinite and Bullet Train, so he's been all over the place regarding genre. But I feel he'll be great with Michael just from how he talks about the film in his interviews.

John Logan Wrote The Script

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Something else that we know from the Variety article regarding the release date is that John Logan wrote the script for Michael.

The screenwriter is known for his writing credits on several critically acclaimed and blockbuster movies, such as Gladiator, Hugo, The Aviator, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and two James Bond movies, Skyfall and Spectre.

With a resume like that, it's hard to imagine Michael not being a great story.

Michael Will Be Using Michael Jackson's Music

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

When Deadline confirmed that the movie was happening in November 2019, it was also confirmed that the Michael Jackson estate gave Graham King (one of the producers) the rights to use Jackson's music in the film and permitted him to make the film overall.

This is a significant deal when it comes to biopics about music stars. The most prominent example I can think of is when the Elvis estate slammed the new Priscilla movie regarding the portrayal of Elvis Presley. It's rarely a seamless process when an adaptation is made regarding these famous stars, but to hear that the estate gave the studio the rights to use the music and produce the film is great. It was even confirmed at CinemaCon 2024 that there are going to be “more than 30 songs” from Jackson’s career used in the film (via The Hollywood Reporter), so get prepared to dance.

Fresh Off His First Oscar Nomination, Colman Domingo Has Been Cast In A Key Role For The Michael Jackson Biopic

Adam Holmes — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:28:47 +0000

Colman Domingo has been professionally acting for nearly 30 years, and now he’s hit a major milestone for any performer in the business. When the nominees for the 96th Academy Awards were shared earlier this week, it was revealed that Domingo will compete in the Best Actor category for his performance as Bayard Rustin in Rustin, which some of you may consider to be one of the best movies on Netflix. While we have a little over a month to go until we learn if the actor will take home an Oscar, fresh off his nomination being unveiled, it’s been announced that he’s been cast in a key role for the Michael Jackson biopic.

Domingo has been tapped to play Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, in Michael, which hails from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International. The actor’s role is described in the official announcement as “the hard-driving, singularly focused, controversial patriarch of the Jackson family,” who passed away in 2018. Domingo will star opposite Jackson’s real-life nephew Jafaar Jackson, who’s playing his late pop star uncle. Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua is directing the biopic, Gladiator’s John Logan wrote the script, and Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King is producing through his GK Films banner.

In the announcement, King said that “few actors present themselves with Colman Domingo’s screen presence and force of will,” and Fuqua said he was “grateful” to be working with an actor who has the “passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: a husband, a father and a manager.” Domingo himself had the following to say about his participation in Michael:

I’m excited to be a part of a film that explores both the complicated soul of the legendary Michael Jackson as well as his impact on music and culture as a global icon. Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation. After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown. There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level.

3 Things I Do Want To See in Antoine Fuqua's Upcoming Michael Jackson Movie, And 3 Things I Definitely Don't Want To See

Rich Knight — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 01:04:35 +0000

I’ve wanted a Michael Jackson movie ever since the King of Pop passed away in 2009, and we’re finally getting one in 2025 by Antoine Fuqua. Not only that, but Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar, will be playing the lead role.

And you know what? I’m thrilled about the news. I’ve been an MJ fan my entire life (though his movie, Moonwalker, scarred me as a child), and I can’t wait to see a detailed look into the man’s beautiful (and yet controversial) life.

However, there are certain things that I do want to see in this upcoming movie, and things that I don’t want to see. Here are just a few.

(Image credit: Epic Records)

Do Want To See: Michael Jackson's Struggle On The Way To His Breakthrough, Off The Wall

Did you know that Michael Jackson has a few solo albums that predate Off the Wall? Got to Be There, Ben, Music & Me, and Forever, Michael, all came out before Jackson’s breakthrough album, Off the Wall, and I want to see that period of uncertainty in his life.

What I mainly want to see is the struggle, though. A lot of people typically think of young Michael in the Jackson 5, and then his work on Off the Wall and everything afterward. But, I really want to see him in that period where he didn’t know if he’d be a megawatt star on his own.

For example, Forever, Michael, which was the album that came out right before Off the Wall, came in at number 101 on the Billboard charts (though, it came in at number 10 in Soul albums). Not only that, but it didn’t even chart in other countries.

I mean, can you imagine how heartbroken he must have been to see that his career seemed to be flagging at that point? A great part of why his other albums didn’t seem to be hitting was because they sounded too much like his work with the Jackson 5, and Off the Wall was his first collaboration with Quincy Jones (who had a hand in a lot of different up-and-comers). So, this struggle would be really awesome to see. However, speaking of the Jackson 5…

(Image credit: Don Cornelius Productions)

Don’t Want To See: Too Much Time With The Jackson Five

I know. How can you have a Michael Jackson movie that doesn’t feature a whole section dedicated to the Jackson 5? But, let me explain. I like biopics, but I don’t typically love them. For example, take a movie like Ray. It’s great, don’t get me wrong, and I enjoy it.

But, the part that I don’t really care for is when we see Ray Charles’ childhood, brief as it is. The same goes for Walk the Line, which, you know, is another great movie, but I don’t like that we see Johnny Cash’s childhood, even though I know it impacts him much later in life.

However, I don’t feel like I need to see that for Jackson. I also don’t really want to see how abusive his upbringing tended to be.

Now, I’m not saying that this movie should ignore all of those things, but I honestly want this biopic to be similar to something like Selma, which I consider one of the greatest biopics and social justice movies of all time.

What makes Selma so effective is that it doesn’t so much focus on MLK, as it focuses on a specific event that MLK was involved with, which makes sense, because the movie is titled Selma, not Martin Luther King, Jr.

In that way, I would like this upcoming movie to focus more on a single, important moment in his career, rather than from his childhood all the way to his untimely demise. And even though I know his brothers will appear as characters in the film at some point (they’ve even already casted a young Michael Jackson), I’m actually more interested in his sisters, namely one in particular.

(Image credit: Epic Records)

Do Want To See: His Relationship With Janet, Especially When She Was Getting Big

While we’ve definitely seen Janet Jackson in movies, like the Tyler Perry flick, Why Did I Get Married? (which was fine), we haven’t gotten a Janet Jackson movie that’s actually about her life. I’m not saying that this biopic should be the Michael and Janet movie, I do often wonder how Michael felt when his younger sister, Janet, was blowing up on the charts.

Also, as I mentioned earlier, I’d love to see this movie in a specific time period, with that period being just before Off the Wall, to somewhere around when the siblings recorded “Scream.” I think that would encompass a large portion of his career, from megastardom, to the point where he was kind of falling off in relevance, but hadn’t fallen off completely yet.

That’s the Michael Jackson biopic that I want to see. But, I’ll tell you what else I don’t want to see in this time period.

(Image credit: MTV)

Don’t Want To See: His Romantic Relationships

I’ll tell you what. If you look in the dictionary for the word “cringe,” there will be a picture of Michael Jackson kissing Lisa Marie Presley at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards. All jokes aside though, I honestly do not want to see that again, or really any of Jackson’s romantic relationships.

It’s not because I don’t want to see a more human and vulnerable side of MJ, because I do. I definitely do. But, there are some things about his life that are still a little mysterious, even today, and I think his relationships should be one of them. Like, I don’t want to see him scoping out some “good fish back there." I’m sorry, but I just don’t.

(Image credit: Epic Records)

Do Want To See: His Struggles With His Skin Condition

One thing that I always tire of hearing is people saying, “I liked MJ better when he was Black.” And I still hear that. Constantly. Some people say it for different reasons. For some, they mean they liked his music better when he was younger. For others, they mean they thought Michael Jackson changed when he started using skin-bleaching creams and make-ups to mask his vitiligo.

But, I always found those comments to be super insensitive. For whatever reason, Jackson decided to alter his skin tone and get plastic surgery, and that was really up to him alone. But, I would definitely want to see that aspect in the movie, as I want to know more about how it made him feel to get such criticism and attention, outside of his music.

We see glimpses of this when he had his interview with Oprah, and she broached the topic of his skin, but I would definitely want to see more about how it must have affected him mentally when he was getting all of that backlash.

However, that’s as far as I want to see the movie go when it comes to the darker side of Michael. Because Jackson’s family is involved, it probably won’t get into the child molestation allegations, and if it doesn’t, there’s already a whole HBO documentary about that, so it’s not like that information isn’t already out there.

(Image credit: Epic Records)

Don’t Want To See: His Death

I remember exactly where I was when I heard that Michael Jackson died. I was in a car with my then-girlfriend-now-wife on the way to Boston. It was a long trip, and we heard on the radio that actress Farrah Fawcett had just died. I remember thinking, “Wow. She had cancer, didn’t she? That’s sad.”

But, on the same car ride, somebody came on the radio and said that there were reports that Jackson may have died, and I couldn’t believe it. I just seriously couldn’t. I asked my girlfriend to stop the car, and when she pulled to the side of the road, we just sat there, waiting to hear if the reports were true. And, of course they were.

That’s why I don’t want to see anything related to that in the movie. We all know he died, and we don’t need to see it. So, if there’s any one thing I definitely don’t want to see in this movie, it’s his death. I don’t think I could stomach it again.

Are you excited for this film? For more news on all things MJ-related, be sure to swing by here often!

Michael Jackson Biopic Director On Late Singer’s Nephew Playing The Lead Role

Sarah El-Mahmoud — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:20:28 +0000

Following the massive success of Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018, one of its producers, Graham King, secured the rights to tell the story of Michael Jackson in an upcoming movie. Titled Michael, the movie will tell the late King of Pop’s life story, warts and all, and Training Day filmmaker Antoine Fuqua will direct it. Following Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, nabbing the part, Fuqua has shared his thoughts on the casting move.

Jaafar Jackson, who is the 27-year-old son of Michael Jackson’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, was cast in the role of Michael Jackson back in January 2023. Antoine Fuqua had this to say to Entertainment Weekly about casting him:

It's uncanny how much he's like Michael. Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It's really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.

Jaafar’s father Jermaine was one of the members of the Jackson 5 with Michael Jackson. The young man has been singing and dancing since he was 12 and received the approval of Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, who shared that he “embodies” her late son. Michael will serve as Jaafar Jackson’s movie debut.

The script for Michael is being written by John Logan of beloved movies like The Aviator, Skyfall and Gladiator, though its development is currently on hold alongside a host of other Hollywood movies as the 2023 WGA writers strike continues to have writers on the picket line protesting how studios compensate their work. Fuqua also said this about making Michael:

Just to tell the facts as we know it, about the artist, about the man, about the human being. You know, the good, bad, and the ugly.

After it was announced that a Michael Jackson movie was being made, the director of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland blasted the biopic and criticized the “total absence of outrage” surrounding the movie’s announcement. Based on Fuqua’s comments on Michael, the biopic will tell multiple dimensions of the Michael Jackson story and not steer clear of his child sexual abuse allegations, which he went on trial for in 2005 ahead of his death in 2009 from cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose.

Fuqua was just behind one of 2023 new movie releases with The Equalizer 3. The movie starring Denzel Washington rounded off a trilogy of action movies about a former U.S. Marine and DIA officer who reluctantly becomes a vigilante. Fuqua actually got his start making music videos for artists including Toni Braxton and Stevie Wonder before making movies including Shooter, Southpaw and last year’s Emancipation.

While it will be sometime before we see Michael, Antoine Fuqua sounds confident in his star. We’ll keep you updated here on CinemaBlend as the movie continues to move through development.

Director Of Leaving Neverland Blasts New Michael Jackson Biopic, Asks Where The Outrage Is

Mack Rawden — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 16:56:39 +0000

Much was made earlier this week about the casting of Michael Jackson’s nephew to play the late singer in Lionsgate’s upcoming biopic. Fans and members of the media, as well as various celebrities, offered their thoughts on the choice, but if you ask the director of Leaving Neverland, that’s not the conversation we should be having. Filmmaker Dan Reed wants to know why more people aren’t outraged about the movie even being made.

Dan Reed rose to prominence as a Michael Jackson critic back in 2019 when he released the documentary Leaving Neverland. It chronicled the pop star’s long history of strange public behavior with young boys. It also explored the public accusations against him for child molestation, as well as the various settlements and deals he reportedly worked out with the families of additional alleged victims. It also featured extensive interviews with Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom spent significant time with Jackson and said they were sexually abused.

At the time, the documentary was given a lot of exposure. It ran on HBO and led many to ask questions about Jackson’s behavior and legacy, but in the four years since, the allegations against Jackson have gotten quieter and the focus on his music has returned to prominence. Reed doesn’t understand why. He published a first person editorial in The Guardian this week and asked fans to reconsider what’s happening around the movie. Here’s a portion of his quote…

What the total absence of outrage accompanying the announcement of this movie tells us is that Jackson’s seduction is still a living force, operating from beyond the grave. It seems that the press, his fans and the vast older demographic who grew up loving Jackson are willing to set aside his unhealthy relationship with children and just go along with the music.To them I say this: even if you do not believe a word of what his many accusers have said; even if you are not concerned by the police investigations and the massive payouts to halt legal proceedings, how do you explain the completely uncontested fact that for years Jackson spent innumerable nights alone in bed with young boys? What was he doing with them, alone in his Neverland bedroom, with alarm bells in the corridor? That cannot be acceptable by any measure.

Since the start of his career as a child in The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson sold more than 400 million albums. He won 15 Grammy Awards, had a top 10 single in five different decades and sold out concerts all over the world. He's widely considered to be one of the most famous and popular musicians in history, and when he died of an overdose, his funeral was watched by a reported two billion people.

He also turned his house into an amusement park, had many close relationships with boys decades younger than himself and was accused in 1993 and 2005 of child sexual abuse. Charges were never brought in the first case, and it was settled out of court. He was acquitted during the second trial. In the years since, several other victims have come forward with their own allegations.

His defenders claim he was a strange child-like person who was victimized by false allegations and people trying to exploit his naivety. Those defenders also point to previous statements Robson and Safechuck made as kids and young adults in which they said they were never molested by the singer.

In his editorial, Dan Reed called the lack of outrage around the project "a deafening silence." He asked why "in an era" of "full-throated outrage" about projects that are perceived as demeaning vulnerable groups that no one is talking about the problems with this one. He also asked the filmmakers directly in his op-ed how they will address Jackson's behavior with children in the movie.

At this point, It’s unclear how the movie, which is being produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King and directed by Antoine Fuqua, will address either those allegations or his close relationships with various children. The late singer’s estate is involved, which has led many to believe it won’t, but we likely won’t know until the movie finally comes out. No release date has been set, but it’s likely we’ll see it sometime in 2024.

The Michael Jackson Biopic Has Found Its Star, And He's Related To The Late Singer

Mike Reyes — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:28:37 +0000

The Michael Jackson biopic being produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King has been steaming ahead into production. With the recent hiring of director Antoine Fuqua, a huge step had been taken towards getting this long developing project off the ground.

While it's not quite a 2023 new movie releases contender, this year has seen the project getting even closer to camera ready. The latest development is potentially the most crucial, as this chronicle of moments in Jackson’s career has found its star, and he’s related to the late singer.

Nephew Jaafar Jackson has been announced as playing the role of his uncle in the still untitled biopic. Lionsgate made the announcement today, through a press release containing the news. This choice has already nabbed some high praise from Antoine Fuqua and Graham King, but the most notable approval comes from Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, who made the following statement:

Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.

According to his bio on IMDb, 26 year-old Jaafar Jackson is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael and fellow member of the Jackson 5. Through media appearances and music videos for his own projects, young Jaafar has been making waves in the family business of entertaining.

Responding to his casting in the new Michael Jackson biopic, Jaafar posted an official photo from behind the scenes with a message of gratitude. Shown striking one of his uncle's signature poses, you can see that image, and Jackson's message, as follows:

I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon. Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9MkakupJanuary 30, 2023

This sort of news is encouraging, especially in the wake of Universal’s cancellation of the Madonna biopic, which was potentially set to start Ozark’s Julia Garner. As the 2023 Oscar nominations may hold some golden wins for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, it only seems fitting that the King of Pop could be the next big musical biography to come after last year’s tribute to the King of Rock n’ Roll. Although this production has an advantage that could prevent another Austin Butler accent scenario from ever having to enter the picture.

Casting Jaafar Jackson as his own uncle is naturally a narrative that sounds like a good start for the untitled Michael Jackson biopic. The resemblance is there in more ways than one, and people who’ve been following the young talent would know that already. You can see for yourself why this is such a good pick, when you watch the video for Jaafar's song "Got Me Singing," shown below:

It's still early days for this picture's development, and as we've seen above anything could happen before cameras start rolling. That being said, the enthusiasm and the family connections to this new Michael Jackson movie are already good signs that things are going well, with nowhere to go but up!

With a screenplay from They/Them writer-director John Logan, the untitled Michael Jackson biopic is stated to start principal photography in 2023. There's currently no set date specified for production start or release, though it could be assumed that 2024 will be the year that Jaafar Jackson's performance as his uncle Michael will be revealed to the world.