What you need to know
The first look at the Michael Jackson biopic and the cast playing the real people in the legendary musician’s story has finally been released.
In November 2025, Lionsgate released the first trailer for Michael. The late pop singer is played by Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson and Jackson’s own nephew. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 24, 2026.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Ja’far bring Michael to life,” director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement to Variety in January 2023. “When I first met Jaafar, there was a very spiritual connection. He has a natural ability to imitate Michael and has great chemistry with the camera.”
Director Jaafar has several stars set to appear in his upcoming film, including Colman Domingo and Miles Teller. Lionsgate recently announced which actors will play the remaining singers of the Jackson 5, including Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie Jackson.
Here’s a look at Michael’s cast side by side with the real-life people they play.
Giuliano Crewe Vardi as young Michael Jackson
Provided by Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
In January 2024, Lionsgate announced that Giuliano Crews Vardi would play a young Jackson in the film, which follows the Jackson 5 as they rise to fame.
“If anything, casting the role of young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where could you find a child actor with the talent of one of the greatest entertainers of all time?” Fuqua said of Vardi’s casting. “We searched far and wide for an actor who could embody the spirit of Michael through his voice, charisma and dance skills. Giuliano’s undeniable raw talent put him at the top of our list.”
According to IMDb, Michael will be Vardi’s first feature film role after starring in shows such as Bite Size Halloween and Faces Music Party.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
The late singer’s nephew Jaafar will play him in the new film. He was chosen for the role after a worldwide casting search, with producer Graham King stating, “It was clear that he was the only person to take on the role.”
“I was blown away by the way he organically embodied Michael’s spirit and personality,” King said, adding, “I couldn’t be more thrilled that he came on board to play my uncle.”
While Michael is making his acting debut, Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. According to Deadline, Jaafar has been singing and dancing since the age of 12 and has appeared in numerous family projects over the years, including 2015’s “The Jacksons: Next Generation” and 2021’s Tito’s music video “Love One Another.”
Judah Edwards and Ryan Hill as Tito Jackson
Provided by Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Judah Edwards, who previously starred in Hulu’s Saint X, plays young Tito in the film.
Meanwhile, Michael Blackson Show actor Ryan Hill will play Tito in his later years.
Jalen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson
Provided by Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Broadway actor Jalen Lyndon Hunter will play the younger version of Marlon, which he previously played in the first national tour of MJ: The Musical.
Tre Houghton, who has an extensive background in theater and previously appeared on My Enemy Alpha, will play Marlon in his later years.
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson
Provided by Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
David Makes Man’s Nathaniel Logan McIntyre plays young Jackie.
Meanwhile, 4400 star Joseph David Jones will play Jackie in her later years.
Jaden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson
Provided by Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Jaden Harville makes his film debut in Michael, playing the young Jermaine.
“South Central Love” star Jamal R. Henderson plays Jermaine in his later years.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
Unique Nicole/Getty. Alain Beninas/Gamma Raffo, via Getty
Oscar-nominated Rustin actor Domingo will play Joe, the Jackson family patriarch. King said the actor has an “incredibly wide range of talent” and that he was “grateful to work with him” on the project.
Domingo has an extensive acting career, appearing in many notable Broadway shows, television series, and movies over the years. He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Euphoria and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for the biographical drama Rustin.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
Slaven Vlasic/Getty; Dave Hogan/Getty
Jackson matriarch Katherine is played by Nia Long, who calls her character “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.”
“It was a huge responsibility to represent women who are iconic, who have carried the weight of the world on their shoulders, and who are still gracefully with us,” Long said in June 2024. “And I hope I was able to do that, because you never know. I just went to work and tried to do my best. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Like Domingo, Long has had many notable roles over the years. She first became famous for her roles in Boyz N the Hood and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and is also well known for other roles in Friday, The Best Man, and Empire.
Miles Teller as John Branca
Paras Griffin/Getty; Aaron Rapoport/Corbis via Getty
Teller will play John Branca, who became Michael’s manager after Joe and was instrumental in launching Michael’s early career as a solo artist, particularly with the release of “Thriller.” Branca is also producing a biopic with John McClain as co-executor of Jackson’s estate.
Teller first rose to fame for her role in the Divergent film trilogy, but her role in Whiplash earned her critical acclaim and various award nominations. Most recently, he starred in “Top Gun: Maverick,” co-starring Tom Cruise, which achieved worldwide success.
