Michael: The first trailer for controversial Michael Jackson biopic has been revealed | the biography

The first trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic has hit the internet after reports of a troubled production.

Filming of Michael was completed in May 2024 and the film was originally scheduled for release in April 2025, a date that was then pushed back to October, but reshoots were needed in June, pushing it back to April 2026.

There were then further reports that the film was being split into two parts, but the first trailer now suggests that it will be released as one film.

The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, a filmmaker most associated with action titles including Training Day, The Equalizer, and Olympus Has Fallen. The screenplay is from John Logan, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind Gladiator, The Aviator, and Hugo.

The central role will be played by Jafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, while Oscar nominee Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson and other roles will be played by actors including Miles Teller, Nia Long and Laura Harrier.

“Michael’s life was complicated,” British producer Graham King said of the project. “As a filmmaker, I look to humanize film, not sanitize, deliver the most compelling, unbiased story I can to capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it. It is clear that Michael remains an influential, culturally relevant artist with a life and legacy worth exploring.”

Sexual abuse allegations against Jackson resurfaced in director Dan Reed’s 2019 documentary series Leaving Neverland, which featured interviews with two of his accusers who claimed he abused them when they were children. Reid reportedly read a draft of Michael’s script and described it as “amazingly disingenuous” after it was alleged that it discredited both accusers.

“Jackson was only seen caring for children with childhood cancer, dancing with a little girl in a wheelchair, or holding several young children, most of whom were his nephews, at bedtime,” he said.

Earlier this year, Domingo spoke about the Jackson family and their embrace of the project at an event in Venice.

“They are very supportive of our film,” Domingo said of Jackson’s sons Paris and Prince. “I’m excited to be here at amfAR tonight with Paris. This seems like a nice way to be together.”

But Paris quickly denied any involvement on Instagram, writing: “Don’t tell people I was ‘helpful’ on a movie set, I wasn’t involved in anything in this weird movie. I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my feedback on what was dishonest/didn’t work with me and when they didn’t address it, I went on with my life. Not my monkey, not my circus. God bless you and God speed.”

“The big reason I haven’t said anything up to this point is because I know a lot of you are going to be happy with it. A big part of the film is targeting a very specific section of my father’s fan base that still lives in fantasy, and they’re going to be happy with it,” she added.

Michael carries a reported budget of $155 million and comes on the heels of disappointing box office returns for this year’s Bruce Springsteen biopic, which has grossed just $31 million since its release last month.