The Michael Jackson biopic is facing another delay. This postponement adds to a growing trend of high-budget biographical films experiencing production challenges in the current entertainment landscape.
Jaafar Jackson is set to star as the singer in the movie, but Lionsgate have now confirmed the film will not be released as originally scheduled in 2025. The young actor bears a striking resemblance to his late uncle, making him a natural choice for the role despite this being his debut major acting performance.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, it is now expected to premiere after April 1, 2026, according to Variety. Fuqua brings extensive experience from directing acclaimed films like “Training Day” and “The Equalizer” series, while King previously produced the successful Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“In regard to our Michael Jackson biopic, we’re excited about the three-and-a-half hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, and we will be announcing a definitive release strategy and timing in the next few weeks,” the update was shared by Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer during the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call. “I would note that it is likely we will move ‘Michael’ out of the fiscal year which will impact fiscal ’26 financial results but will bolster an already strong fiscal 2027 slate.”
The biopic stars 27-year-old Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late singer, and marks his first major acting role. The Jackson family’s direct involvement in the project has been instrumental in securing rights to the King of Pop’s extensive music catalog and ensuring authentic representation of his personal story.
While ‘Michael’ had been a centrepiece of Lionsgate’s 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year’s event. The film’s initial release was planned for 3 October 2025. Industry analysts suggest that biographical films often require extended post-production periods due to their complex narrative structures and historical accuracy requirements.
But Variety last month reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. This strategic approach has become increasingly popular among studios seeking to maximize both artistic storytelling potential and commercial revenue from high-profile biographical content.
Filming for ‘Michael’ wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, is currently undergoing revisions ahead of planned reshoots. Logan’s impressive portfolio includes scripts for “Gladiator,” “The Aviator,” and “Hugo,” demonstrating his expertise in crafting compelling biographical narratives that resonate with both critics and audiences.
The production carries a reported budget of around $155 million. This substantial financial commitment reflects the ambitious scope of the project and positions it among the most expensive musical biographical films ever undertaken by a major studio.
In addition to Jaafar, the cast features 54-year-old Colman Domingo and 53-year-old Nia Long as Michael Jackson‘s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Domingo’s recent acclaimed performances in biographical roles showcase his ability to embody complex historical figures, while Long brings decades of versatile acting experience to her portrayal of the Jackson family matriarch.
Miles Teller, 37, plays John Branca, the artist’s longtime attorney and advisor. Branca’s continued role as co-executor of Jackson’s estate adds particular significance to his character’s portrayal in the film, ensuring authenticity in depicting this crucial professional relationship.
And Larenz Tate, 48, will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while 34-year-old Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive. These casting decisions reflect the film’s commitment to representing the diverse array of influential figures who shaped Jackson’s career and the broader music industry during his rise to stardom.
Kat Graham, 35, portrays Diana Ross. Ross’s mentorship and close relationship with young Michael Jackson during the Jackson 5 era represents a pivotal element in understanding the singer’s artistic development and personal growth throughout his formative years.
The ensemble cast also includes 28-year-old Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, 54-year-old Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and 36-year-old Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. Each performer was selected based on both their acting credentials and their ability to authentically represent these significant figures from Jackson’s life and career.
Michael and Quincy Jones famously collaborated on the albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). These groundbreaking albums established Jackson as a global superstar and transformed popular music, making their creative partnership one of the most influential collaborations in entertainment history.
The extended timeline, while disappointing for eager fans worldwide, may ultimately serve the project’s artistic integrity by allowing sufficient time for meticulous post-production work and ensuring the film meets the extraordinarily high expectations surrounding Jackson’s enduring cultural legacy.
