Speaking about his emotions ahead of his debut, he shared his pre-release jitters, saying, “There’s definitely a responsibility that you feel going into something this big, and the scope, and to tell it in a cinematic way. There’s so many moments that I wanted to nail and make sure I had the true essence and that feeling. I had to feel it to make sure I believed in it, first.”
Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan. Originally slated for an April 2025 release, the film was later shifted to October of the same year before finally settling on its current date of April 24.
The biopic’s synopsis describes it as “an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known,” chronicling Jackson’s rise from child star to global phenomenon.
The supporting cast is equally star-studded, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long playing Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson; Miles Teller appearing as John Branca, the singer’s long-time advisor and attorney; Larenz Tate portraying Motown legend Berry Gordy; Laura Harrier playing music executive Suzanne de Passe; and Kat Graham appearing as Diana Ross.
Additional cast includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as long-time friend and former security head, Bill Bray.