Finally. The upcoming biopic Michael, centered on the life and legacy of music icon Michael Jackson, has secured its worldwide release date.
As reported by Deadline, the film will debut in theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a special IMAX presentation available exclusively in select locations. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Oscar-winner Graham King, whose previous hit Bohemian Rhapsody brought the story of Freddie Mercury to the big screen and grossed over $910 million globally.
Bringing the King of Pop to life on screen will be Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, in what marks his most prominent role to date. The script is penned by acclaimed screenwriter John Logan and is set to trace the highs and lows of Jackson’s legendary career, while also addressing the more complex and controversial chapters of his story.
Production on the film faced delays due in part to the decision to explore sensitive moments from Jackson’s life, including the 1993 allegations made by then 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. That case was later settled for $20 million with no admission of guilt from Jackson. Another challenge included trimming the original 3½ hour cut of the film to a more theatrical runtime, though the final duration has not yet been confirmed.
Initially scheduled to arrive in April 2025, the film’s release date was first pushed to October of that year before being finalized for its current 2026 slot. Universal Pictures is handling international distribution, with Kino Films overseeing the rollout in Japan.
With Fuqua directing and King producing, Michael is being positioned as an expansive cinematic tribute to one of music’s most influential and controversial figures. Expectations are sky-high as fans and critics alike await a deeper look into the story of a performer who forever changed the face of pop culture.