First Look: Colman Domingo and Nia Long Star as Michael Jackson’s Parents in ‘MICHAEL’

Colman Domingo and Nia Long bring Michael Jackson’s parents to life in the upcoming biopic MICHAEL. Fans get their first look at the pair portraying Joe and Katherine Jackson. The film hits theaters on April 24.

In November, the first trailer for Michael, the long-awaited biopic about the King of Pop, arrived, giving fans an emotional first look at Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role of his legendary uncle, Michael Jackson.

The teaser captures the essence of MJ’s extraordinary journey, tracing his evolution from a young Motown prodigy to the global phenomenon behind Thriller. Audiences are treated to glimpses of electrifying concert moments, intricate choreography, and cinematic recreations of some of his most iconic visuals, including a haunting take on the Thriller sequence that helped define an era.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, Michael aims to deliver a layered portrayal of the artist’s life while balancing the magic of his performances with the immense pressure of superstardom. Fuqua, known for his work on Training Day and The Equalizer, described the project as “a human story about a man who changed the world through music but faced struggles few could imagine.”

Jaafar Jackson’s performance has already drawn praise across social media, with fans noting not only his uncanny resemblance to his uncle but also his natural charisma and stage command. The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and Miles Teller as music attorney John Branca.

While anticipation for Michael continues to grow, the trailer hints that the film will explore both the triumphs and complexities that shaped one of the most transformative figures in music history. For fans, it is a striking reminder of why Michael Jackson’s artistry continues to resonate across generations.