HOLLYWOOD — The long-awaited Michael Jackson biographical film opens in theaters nationwide April 24, starring the late pop icon’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role — a casting decision that the film’s producers describe as “authentic family storytelling” and that the internet has been debating with remarkable consistency for four consecutive years.
The biopic, titled simply “Michael,” chronicles the King of Pop’s life from his childhood in Gary, Indiana through his rise to global superstardom, and covers what the production describes as “the full scope of his extraordinary life” — a phrase that Hollywood insiders note is doing a tremendous amount of heavy lifting.
“This is the story the world has been waiting to see,” said producer Graham King at a recent press junket, beaming with the particular energy of a man who has had this press junket fully planned for two years. “It’s a celebration of the music, the artistry, the humanity.” When a reporter asked whether the film addresses the various legal controversies surrounding the subject, King smiled warmly, pivoted to discussing the choreography, and changed the subject with the precision of a trained professional.
Jaafar Jackson, 28, spent years preparing for the role, reportedly learning to moonwalk, mastering the iconic vocal runs, and perfecting the precise way his late uncle would stand completely still before exploding into movement — a skill that acting coaches say is harder to teach than it looks, and looks very hard.
The film arrives at a cultural moment that can best be described as “complicated.” Two documentary films have presented serious allegations against the singer. A devoted global fanbase maintains his innocence with an organizational efficiency that geopolitical movements would envy. The biopic declines to engage with either camp, a choice critics have observed is itself a choice.
“I have enormous respect for my uncle’s legacy,” said Jaafar Jackson in an interview with Variety, wearing a red leather jacket that rendered further description unnecessary. “Playing this role has been completely transformative.” He then performed the moonwalk, apparently unprompted, and everyone in the room applauded. The journalist noted they also applauded. It just happens.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring remastered versions of the pop legend’s greatest hits, is expected to re-enter global charts upon release — because while the cultural conversation around its subject remains genuinely unresolved, the baseline guitar line of “Billie Jean” continues to function regardless of anyone’s feelings about anything.
Box office analysts project a strong opening weekend, drawing audiences over 40 who grew up with the music, audiences under 30 who discovered it on streaming, and entertainment journalists who simply need something to have a take on before Friday. All three demographics are expected to buy popcorn.
The MPAA has rated the film PG-13 for “thematic elements, some language, and dancing that will make the person next to you involuntarily tap their foot, which you should simply allow.”
The film opens April 24. Tickets are available now. The moonwalk is not taught in the lobby, but several reviewers suggest it probably should be.
Globe News Daily has no official position on the ongoing cultural debate surrounding the film’s subject. We do have an official position on “Off the Wall,” which is that it is the superior album and we will not be taking questions.
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