The Michael Jackson biopic Michael won’t hit theaters until 2026.
Originally set to release in 2025, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic has been delayed by a year due to legal complications and major changes behind the scenes.
The Wait Just Got Longer
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which was originally set to premiere in 2025, has now been delayed for a second time and is expected to arrive in 2026, with producers also considering turning it into two separate films. Fans are disappointed about the delay, and some doubt if the movie will ever come out at all.
This is like GTA 6 at this point, it never gonna come out, cause like...
— Hana - (@Hanachan_1234) May 22, 2025
Legal Issues Behind The Scenes
One of the main reasons for the delay? A controversial scene about the 1993 allegations against Jackson. It apparently goes against a past settlement, and now it’s causing some serious legal drama behind the scenes. Because of that, parts of the film are being reworked and reshot.
Almost Four Hours Long
Another issue is the length of the film – it's over three hours long. That’s led producers to think about breaking it into two parts, which honestly might not be a bad idea. Watching a whole movie that long in one go is a lot, even die-hard MJ fans.
Michael Jackson's Nephew As The Lead
Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is taking on the lead role, and that alone gives the film a different kind of feeling. It’s not some actor playing MJ – it’s his family. Someone who grew up with the stories, the music, the legacy, and who carries a real connection to who Michael was beyond the spotlight. Fans have been especially moved by how much Jaafar reminds them of his uncle, not just in looks but in presence and how much love he's putting into the role. The rest of the cast is strong too, with Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller on board, but it’s Jaafar’s role that really has people paying attention.
Jaafar looks exactly like Michael Jackson omg pic.twitter.com/aRj067y6E0
— Ash | (fan account) (@mediaaccounnt) February 13, 2024
Attention To Detail
Director Antoine Fuqua seems determined to approach Michael Jackson’s story with the care and depth it deserves. For someone as complex, controversial, and iconic as Michael, it makes sense that the team behind the film is taking extra time to get every detail right. The delays are frustrating, especially for longtime fans who’ve been waiting for a proper portrayal for years, but some fans agree that if slowing things down means doing his legacy justice, it might be worth the wait in the end.