• Exclusive First Streaming Stop: Starz has secured the exclusive Pay-1 streaming window for Antoine Fuqua’s record-breaking biopic MICHAEL.
• Official Premiere Date: The film officially debuts on Starz digital platforms and linear cable channels on Monday, August 10, 2026 (premiering at 7 p.m. ET/PT on linear TV).
• Historic Box Office Juggernaut: Holds the title as the highest-grossing biographical movie in cinema history, earning over $1 billion globally ($372M domestic, $637M international).
• Breakout Lead Performance: Stars Jaafar Jackson—Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew—delivering a lead performance backed by years of studying the King of Pop’s choreography, vocal nuances and stage presence.
• All-Star Ensemble Cast: Features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson, Juliano Valdi as young Michael, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy,and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.

Following an unprecedented theatrical run that cemented it as the first musical biopic to cross $1 billion worldwide, Lionsgate’s MICHAEL is making its digital transition. Confirmed earlier this week, Starz will serve as the exclusive first streaming destination for the film starting Monday, August 10, 2026.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the story chronicles Michael Jackson’s evolution from his childhood roots in Gary, Indiana, through the Jackson 5’s explosive Motown era and the family’s move to their famed Hayvenhurst estate in Encino, California.

RELATED: Michael (2026) | Cast, Streaming & Reviews

Beyond Jaafar Jackson’s lead portrayal, the biopic gathers a heavy ensemble to recreate key figures throughout Jackson’s early career and personal life:

• The Jackson Family: Colman Domingo and Nia Long star as patriarch Joe Jackson and matriarch Katherine Jackson, with child actor Juliano Valdi playing Michael in his early Jackson 5 years.
• Industry Titans: Larenz Tate portrays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, while Kendrick Sampson steps into the role of legendary producer Quincy Jones.
• Key Inner Circle: KeiLyn Durrel Jones appears as Michael’s longtime trusted personal bodyguard, Bill Bray.

Subscribers can access Michael on the Starz app and digital streaming channels starting August 10, with the linear cable broadcast scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/PT the same evening.

Featured Photo: Lionsgate