By Jael Rucker: Published: December 22, 2025

Photo: Lionsgate

Are you ready for the Michael Jackson biopic? I certainly am. Simply titled ‘Michael,’ the film is set for release on April 24, 2026, and there has certainly been a lot of buzz about it. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), the production of this film spans all the way back to 2017, where a worldwide search was conducted to find the right person to portray the King of Pop. That person? None other than Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson. After multiple delays, the film’s first teaser dropped in early November, and there’s a wide range of talent in it. Here is a breakdown to help get you prepared.

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The Leading Roles

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson: Jaafar makes his acting debut, with many already raving about his performance. This includes Fuqua, who has praised Jackson’s “spiritual connection” and natural ability to emulate his uncle’s mannerisms and dance style. Miles Teller has also given Jackson praise, making an appearance on the “New Heights” podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, saying, “When I first got cast, it said ‘Miles Teller to star in Michael Jackson biopic’, and I think people literally thought I was playing him,” he said, which caused Travis to bust out into laughter. “There will never be somebody who portrays somebody in a biopic that has a ton of that DNA already in him,” he added.

Photo: Lionsgate

Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael: 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will do the honor of portraying young Michael Jackson during his rise to fame with the Jackson 5.

The Jackson Family Patriarchs

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson: The Oscar-nominated Colman Domingo (Rustin, Sing Sing) takes on the role of patriarch Joe Jackson.

Photo: Lionsgate

Nia Long as Katherine Jackson: The veteran actress (Boyz n the Hood, The Best Man) portrays the matriarch of the Jackson family.

The Jackson 5 & Siblings

Time to bust out the table! Here’s what we know so far.

Sibling	Younger Version	Older Version
Jermaine Jackson	Jayden Harville	Jamal R. Henderson
Marlon Jackson	Jaylen Lyndon Hunter	Tre Horton
Tito Jackson	Judah Edwards	Rhyan Hill
Jackie Jackson	Nathaniel Logan McIntyre	Joseph David-Jones
La Toya Jackson	N/A	Jessica Sula

Additional Cast Members

Photo: Lionsgate

Additionally, there will be the incorporation of other famous figures in the film.

Miles Teller as John Branca: The Top Gun: Maverick star will take on the role of entertainment lawyer and manager, John Branca.

Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones: Sampson will portray Quincy Jones, who collaborated with Jackson on Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad.

Kat Graham as Diana Ross: Kat Graham will portray the music icon and one of Michael’s closest mentors.

Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy: Larenz Tate will do the honors of music mogul Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records.

Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe: The creative executive and producer who helped develop the Jackson 5’s image.

The film hits theaters on April 24, 2026.

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more