Michael (2025 film)

Upcoming film by Antoine Fuqua

Michael

Directed by| Antoine Fuqua
Written by| John Logan
Produced by|

* Graham King
* John Branca
* John McClain

Starring|

* Jaafar Jackson
* Colman Domingo
* Nia Long
* Miles Teller
* Laura Harrier
* Kat Graham
* Larenz Tate
* Derek Luke

Cinematography| Dion Beebe

Production
companies

* Lionsgate[1][2]
* GK Films

Distributed by|

* Lionsgate
(United States)
* Universal Pictures (International)

Release date

* October 3, 2025 (2025-10-03)

Country| United States
Language| English
Budget| $155 million[3]

Michael is an upcoming American biographical musical drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, based on the life of the American singer, songwriter, and dancer Michael Jackson. It stars Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, in his film debut, alongside Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke. Michael is scheduled for release in the United States on October 3, 2025, by Lionsgate, and by Universal Pictures internationally.

## Premise

[edit]

The film follows Jackson's life and career from his time with the Jackson 5 as a child in the 1960s and 1970s to his final weeks before his death in 2009.[4]

## Cast

[edit]

* Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
* Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael
* Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
* Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
* Miles Teller as John Branca
* Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
* Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson
* Jayden Harville as young Jermaine
* Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson
* Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as young Marlon
* Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson
* Judah Edwards as young Tito
* Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson
* Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as young Jackie
* Kat Graham as Diana Ross
* Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
* Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
* Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
* Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark
* KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray
* Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
* Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran

## Production

[edit]

### Development and casting

[edit]

In November 2019, Deadline reported that Graham King had secured the rights to produce a film about Michael Jackson, with John Logan responsible for writing the screenplay, but it was still “not set up at a studio at this point”.[5] In February 2022, the movie was officially announced with Lionsgate set up as the studio responsible for the film, owning the global distribution rights.[6] In October 2023, Lionsgate announced that Universal Pictures “will serve as the international distributor for the Michael Jackson biopic”.[7] In July 2024, Deadline reported that Tokyo-based Kino Films has struck a deal with Lionsgate and GK Films to distribute Michael in Japan.[8]

Casting began in June, with Kimberly Hardin as the casting director. Production was expected to start in 2023.[9] In January 2023, Antoine Fuqua was announced as the director.[10] Casting began that month, with Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson announced to play Jackson.[11] In January 2024, the newcomer Juliano Krue Valdi was cast as a young Michael,[12] as well as Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson,[13] and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson.[14] Also that month, Miles Teller was reported to be in talks to play one of Jackson's attorneys.[15] In February, Teller was confirmed to play John Branca.[16] The cast for the rest of the Jackson 5 were announced later that month,[17] with Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, Jessica Sula, Liv Symone, Kevin Shinick, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, and Kendrick Sampson being added to portray Suzanne de Passe, Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, La Toya Jackson, Gladys Knight, Dick Clark, Bill Bray, and Quincy Jones in March.[18][19] In April 2024, Derek Luke was added to the cast as Johnnie Cochran.[20]

### Writing

[edit]

The screenplay includes content regarding child sexual abuse accusations against Jackson, with King saying that he wanted to "humanize but not sanitize and present the most compelling, unbiased story".[3]

### Filming

[edit]

Principal photography was scheduled to begin in mid-2023 over 80 days in Santa Barbara, California, and was projected to spend $120 million on crew wages and vendors, according to the California Film Commission.[21] Filming was delayed in September 2023 due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[22]

Filming began on January 22, 2024, and ended on May 30.[23][24] Dion Beebe was the cinematographer, Barbara Ling the production designer, and Marci Rodgers the costume designer.[25]

### Post-production

[edit]

In January 2025, it was reported that the third act would be reshot, due to the film not being able to legally showcase the alleged victim of the 1993 sexual abuse allegations Jordan Chandler.[26] Representatives for the Michael Jackson estate and Lionsgate commented on the report stating that "The Michael Jackson biopic is not in total chaos. The inflammatory headlines about the moving halting are simply not true. The film is moving forward, and reshoots are happening in March." [27]

## Release

[edit]

Michael will be distributed by Lionsgate in the United States on October 3, 2025,[28] and Universal Pictures internationally (except for Japan). [29] It was previously scheduled to be released on April 18.[30] A first look was shown to theatre-owners at CinemaCon on April 10, 2024, to positive reception.[31]

## See also

[edit]

* The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)
* Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2004)
* Searching for Neverland (2017)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 18, 2024). "Lionsgate Finds Young Michael Jackson In Juliano Krue Valdi For Antoine Fuqua's 'Michael'". Deadline. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
2. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (July 18, 2024). "'Michael': Kino Films To Distribute Michael Jackson Biopic In Japan". Deadline. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
3. ^ a b Vary, Adam B. (March 13, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Team Touts 'Unbiased' Look at Pop Star; 'Leaving Neverland' Director Calls Script Draft 'Startlingly Disingenuous'". Variety. Archived from the original on March 13, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
4. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 7, 2022). "Michael Jackson Biopic Michael From Producer Graham King & Scribe John Logan Lands At Lionsgate". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
5. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 22, 2019). "Michael Jackson's Life Getting Movie Treatment; The Aviator's Graham King & John Logan Reteam, And MJ Estate Aboard". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
6. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 7, 2022). "Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' From Producer Graham King & Scribe John Logan Lands At Lionsgate". Deadline. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
7. ^ Grobar, Matt (October 3, 2023). "Lionsgate's Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' To Be Released Internationally By Universal". Deadline. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
8. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (July 18, 2024). "'Michael': Kino Films To Distribute Michael Jackson Biopic In Japan". Deadline. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
9. ^ Welch, Rebecca (June 15, 2022). "Lionsgate's Michael Jackson Biopic, Michael, Is Casting for Its Star". Backstage. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
10. ^ Davis, Clayton (January 18, 2023). "Antoine Fuqua to Direct Michael Jackson Biopic for Lionsgate, Set to Begin Shooting This Year". Variety. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
11. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (January 30, 2023). "Michael Jackson's Nephew Jaafar to Star in Biopic Michael". Variety. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
12. ^ Anthony, D'Alessandro (January 18, 2024). "Lionsgate Finds Young Michael Jackson in Juliano Krue Valdi for Antoine Fuqua's Michael". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
13. ^ Vlessing, Etan (January 25, 2024). "Colman Domingo to Play Michael Jackson's Father in Biopic". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
14. ^ Anthony, D'Alessandro (January 30, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Michael Sets Nia Long As Matriarch Katherine Jackson". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
15. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 31, 2024). "Miles Teller Circling Lionsgate & Universal Michael Jackson Biopic Michael". The Wrap. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
16. ^ Chitwood, Adam (February 6, 2024). "Miles Teller to Play Michael Jackson Attorney John Branca in Biopic". The Wrap. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
17. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (February 27, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Casts Its Jackson 5". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
18. ^ Donnelly, Matt (March 6, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Adds Laura Harrier as Pioneering Music Exec Suzanne de Passe (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
19. ^ Jackson, Angelique (March 25, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Adds Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy". Variety. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
20. ^ Grobar, Matt (April 23, 2024). "Derek Luke To Play Johnnie Cochran In Lionsgate's 'Michael'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
21. ^ Sakoui, Anousha (March 6, 2023). "Michael Jackson biopic to spend a record $120 million in California under state tax credit program". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
22. ^ "Director Antoine Fuque says he is readying for Michael Jackson movie". Salamanca Press. September 12, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
23. ^ Jackson, Angelique (January 11, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Set for 2025 Release". Variety. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
24. ^ Peralta, Diego (May 31, 2024). "Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson Biopic Gets a Big Update". Collider. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
25. ^ D'Alessasndro, Anthony (January 11, 2024). "Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson Biopic Gets Global Release Date Via Lionsgate & Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
26. ^ Mathai, Jeremy (January 24, 2025). "Michael Jackson Movie Reshooting Entire Third Act Amid Behind-The-Scenes Drama". /Film. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
27. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (January 24, 2025). "Michael Jackson Biopic Needs Major Reshoots After Discovery of Past Legal Agreement with Molestation Accuser: Report". People.com. Retrieved January 24, 2025. "The Michael Jackson biopic is not in total chaos. The inflammatory headlines about the moving halting are simply not true. The film is moving forward, and reshoots are happening in March."
28. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 5, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Moonwalks To Fall 2025, Aziz Ansari's 'Good Fortune' Eyes Luck There Too: Lionsgate Release Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
29. ^ Grobar, Matt (October 3, 2023). "Lionsgate's Michael Jackson Biopic Michael To Be Released Internationally By Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
30. ^ Jackson, Angelique (January 11, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Set for 2025 Release". Variety. Archived from the original on January 11, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
31. ^ Rubin, Rebecca; Lang, Brent (April 10, 2024). "Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Electrifies CinemaCon With Moonwalking King of Pop, 'Thriller' Performance and More". Variety. Archived from the original on April 12, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Michael at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Michael Jackson

* Albums
* Singles
* Songs
* Videography
* Unreleased songs
* Awards
* Records and achievements
* Cultural impact

Studio albums|

* Got to Be There
* Ben
* Music & Me
* Forever, Michael
* Off the Wall
* Thriller
* Bad
* Dangerous
* HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
* Invincible

Posthumous albums|

* Michael
* Xscape

Anniversary reissues|

* Thriller 25
* Bad 25
* Thriller 40

Remix albums|

* The Original Soul of Michael Jackson
* Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix
* The Stripped Mixes
* The Remix Suite

Soundtracks|

* The Wiz
* E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
* Michael Jackson's This Is It
* Immortal

Compilations|

* The Best of Michael Jackson
* One Day in Your Life
* 18 Greatest Hits
* Farewell My Summer Love
* Looking Back to Yesterday
* The Michael Jackson Mix
* 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Michael Jackson
* Love Songs
* Number Ones
* The Essential Michael Jackson
* King of Pop
* The Definitive Collection
* Icon
* Scream

Box sets|

* Anthology
* The Ultimate Collection
* Visionary: The Video Singles
* The Motown Years
* The Collection
* Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection

Concert tours|

* Bad World Tour
* Dangerous World Tour
* HIStory World Tour
* This Is It (canceled)

Specials|

* Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
* Super Bowl XXVII halftime show
* MJ & Friends
* 30th Anniversary Celebration
* United We Stand: What More Can I Give
* Live at the Apollo

Video albums|

* Dangerous: The Short Films
* Video Greatest Hits – HIStory
* HIStory on Film, Volume II
* Number Ones
* The One
* Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour
* Michael Jackson's Vision
* Live at Wembley July 16, 1988

Films|

* The Wiz
* Michael Jackson's Thriller
* Captain EO
* Moonwalker
* Michael Jackson's Ghosts
* Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies
* Michael Jackson's This Is It

Television|

* Free to Be... You and Me
* The Jacksons
* "Stark Raving Dad" (The Simpsons)
* Michael Jackson Talks ... to Oprah
* Move Like Michael Jackson
* Living with Michael Jackson
* The Michael Jackson Interview: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See
* "The Jeffersons" (South Park)
* "Michael" (Glee)
* Michael Jackson's Halloween

Video games|

* Michael Jackson's Moonwalker
* The Experience
* Planet Michael
* Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2
* Sonic the Hedgehog 3
* Space Channel 5
* Space Channel 5: Part 2
* Dreamcast Collection

Books|

* Moonwalk
* Dancing the Dream

Documentaries|

* The Life of an Icon
* Bad 25
* The Last Photo Shoots
* Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall
* Square One: Michael Jackson
* Killing Michael Jackson
* Thriller 40

Biographical films|

| Theatrical films|

* Michael

|

Television films|

* The Jacksons: An American Dream (miniseries)
* Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
* Searching for Neverland

Stage shows|

* Thriller – Live
* Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert
* The Immortal World Tour
* Motown: The Musical
* One
* MJ the Musical

Personal life|

* Health and appearance
* Personal relationships
* Jackson family
* Paris Jackson
* Lisa Marie Presley
* Debbie Rowe

Abuse allegations|

* 1993 allegations
* 2005 trial
* Posthumous allegations
* FBI files

Death|

* Memorial service
* Conrad Murray
* trial

Influence|

* Moonwalk
* Robot
* Philanthropy
* Cover versions
* Monuments, memorials and namesakes
* Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
* Mesoparapylocheles michaeljacksoni
* Thrill the World
* Thriller viral video
* World Vitiligo Day
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* Ulala
* Impersonators
* Michael Jackson fandom
* On the Wall
* Heal the World Foundation

Related|

* The Jackson 5
* The Jackson 5 discography
* Jackson 5ive
* Estate of Michael Jackson
* Thriller jacket
* Fulham F.C. statue
* The Magic and the Madness
* Michael Jackson and Bubbles
* MJ Gallery at Ponte 16
* "We Had Him"
* You Are Not Alone
* Michael Jackson, Inc.
* Hayvenhurst
* Neverland Ranch
* Thriller Villa
* The MJCast
* Northern Songs
* Sony/ATV Music Publishing
* Bubbles
* Peter Pan syndrome
* Mister Lonely
* We Are the World
* Mind Is the Magic: Anthem for the Las Vegas Show
* Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson
* Rava on the Dance Floor
* Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson
* "Better on the Other Side"
* "Home"
* "Eat It"
* "Fat"
* Return of the Moonwalker
* Sheikh Jackson
* The Last Days of Michael Jackson
* Neverland Firsthand: Investigating the Michael Jackson Documentary
* Michael Jackson: Chase the Truth
* MJ (album)

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Films by Antoine Fuqua

Feature films|

| Directed|

* The Replacement Killers (1998)
* Bait (2000)
* Training Day (2001)
* Tears of the Sun (2003)
* King Arthur (2004)
* Shooter (2007)
* Brooklyn's Finest (2009)
* Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
* The Equalizer (2014)
* Southpaw (2015)
* The Magnificent Seven (2016)
* The Equalizer 2 (2018)
* Infinite (2021)
* The Guilty (2021)
* Emancipation (2022)
* The Equalizer 3 (2023)
* Michael (2025)

|

Produced only|

* Bastards of the Party (2005)
* Bullet Train (2022)

Documentaries|

* American Dream/American Knightmare (2018)
* What's My Name: Muhammad Ali (2019)

* v
* t
* e

Works by John Logan

Awards and nominations

Films written|

* Tornado! (1996)
* Bats (1999)
* RKO 281 (1999)
* Any Given Sunday (1999)
* Gladiator (2000)
* The Time Machine (2002)
* Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
* Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
* The Last Samurai (2003)
* The Aviator (2004)
* Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
* Rango (2011)
* Coriolanus (2011)
* Hugo (2011)
* Skyfall (2012)
* Spectre (2015)
* Genius (2016)
* Alien: Covenant (2017)
* They/Them (2022; also directed)
* Michael (2025)

Television series|

* Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)
* Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020)

Theater|

* Red (2009)
* Peter and Alice (2013)
* I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers (2013)
* The Last Ship (2014)
* Moulin Rouge! (2018)
* Superhero (2019)
* Swept Away (2022)

Portals:

* Film
* United States

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