Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Pushes Release to October 2025
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will hit theaters Oct. 3, about six months after the film’s expected release date, the film’s distributor Lionsgate announced Tuesday.
Antoine Fuqua, the director behind the Equalizer trilogy, Emancipation, and SouthPaw, will direct the biopic, which received approval from the Jackson estate. The executors of Jackson’s estate John Branca and John McClain will produce Michael, alongside Graham King, the producer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
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Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, will star as the King of Pop. Other cast members include Nia Long (The Best Man), Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Miles Teller (Whiplash) and Colman Domingo (Rustin). The film will trace the life of the complex musician, including his public and private struggles.
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” the film’s synopsis reads. “The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Although he kept most details under wraps, Fuqua told audiences during a San Diego Comic-Con panel in July that the film is in the early stages of editing.
“Michael was a big part of my life growing up, big influence on my career, an incredible artist, but he was a human being, and we’re exploring that,” Fuqua said during San Diego Comic-Con. “I’m very excited about it.”
A Lionsgate representative did not immediately respond to comments around the cause of the film’s delay. The film’s distributor previously announced the Jackson biopic would hit theaters on April 18, 2025.
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