Behind the Scenes of 'Michael': Delays, Controversies & a Star-Studded Cast

Hey, cinephiles, I’ve got some exclusive scoop on the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. Originally slated for earlier release, the film is now officially hitting theaters worldwide on Friday, April 24.

Lionsgate and Universal are pulling out all the stops for this one, including a stunning IMAX release — because if there’s one thing we know about Jackson’s story, it deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

But here’s the twist: this isn’t just a straightforward biopic. Rumors swirl that a second Jackson project is still in development, hinting at a possible multi-layered exploration of his life.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King — who brought us Bohemian Rhapsody — has faced its share of hurdles. Initially, the cut was over 3.5 hours long, and controversy erupted over references to Jordan Chandler, the boy involved in Jackson’s 1994 settlement.

After shooting with a screenplay by Oscar-winner John Logan, plans changed—an agreement was reached to exclude Chandler from the final cut, prompting re-shoots and edits.

Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stars as the King of Pop—a casting choice that feels both personal and powerful. It’s positioning itself as a significant release before The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Animal Friends hit theaters in early May.

This marks the third delay for the film: first set for April 2025, then October, and now April 2024. Considering King’s previous success with Bohemian Rhapsody, which grossed over $910 million worldwide and won four Oscars, expectations are sky-high.

As a person obsessed with music legends’ stories told on screen, I can’t wait to see how this unfolds — here’s hoping it does justice to MJ’s complex legacy.