The Michael Jackson Biopic: A Love Letter to Fans or a Controversial Reimagining?
The $15 million spent on reshooting the new Michael Jackson biopic appears to have been well worth it, as early reactions from audiences and critics alike have praised the film as “the ultimate love letter to fans.” Starring Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, the movie has taken a long and winding road to the cinema. It faced several challenges, including the removal of scenes that depicted child abuse allegations against the singer, which Jackson himself denied during his lifetime.
The film promises an “unbiased” look at the life of the Bad singer, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to a reported ending where police are closing in on Neverland Ranch. According to Variety, filmmakers were forced to reshoot the finale due to a clause in the settlement with Jordan Chandler, which prohibited him from being depicted in any film.
Early screeners have now been released after the film was delayed from April last year, and it seems the 22 days and $15 million (£11 million) of reshoots weren’t for nothing. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with one influencer claiming the “entire theatre” was singing and dancing along.
“It’s perfect,” wrote @therealsupes. “Jaafar Jackson gives the performance to beat for the rest of the year. I can’t say enough about it. The voice, the dancing, the heart & soul are all there & it was magic. Entire theater was singing & dancing the whole way through. The ultimate love letter to Michael fans. This is the movie we wanted.”
Full critic reviews are not yet out, so those curious about the movie will have to go off the remarks on social media. Equally enthusiastic, @LiamTCrowley of ScreenRant said: “#MichaelMovie is why we go to the movies. Thriller, Beat It, etc recreated to perfection – genuinely couldn’t resist a head bump and finger tap at any moment. Makes you smile where it wants to, wince where it needs to. Colman is your earliest supporting actor candidate. Some pacing woes, but strong stuff all around. Can’t wait to see this one with a crowd. HEE HEE.”
Meanwhile, Discussing Film’s @AndrewJ626 offers a more tepid response, saying: “If there’s anything to give Jaafar Jackson and Antoine Fuqua credit for, it’s that they weren’t interested in doing an easy recreation of MJ’s life. The two genuinely capture how MJ was a deeply lonely individual who was scarred by fame, showing his flaws alongside the good. It would have been easy to get someone who can do all the dance moves and mimic MJ’s voice, but Jafaar can do all of that while delivering a truly grounded performance that feels vulnerable. It’s genuinely uncanny how much he feels like the real MJ at times.”
Little has been said about the plot so far, with the critics largely choosing to focus on Jaafar’s performance as his late uncle. So far, none of the critics has addressed the reported removal of all mention of the child sexual abuse accusations against Jackson.
The third act was supposedly dedicated to the allegations and their impact on the singer’s life until the Jackson Estate’s lawyers realized the Chandler settlement barred any inclusion. Michael’s finale was reworked by writer John Logan and director Antoine Fuqua, now ending on his Bad tour instead, with Jackson still at the height of fame.
Jackson’s children Blanket (aka Bigi), 24, and Prince, 29, attended the Berlin world premiere, with the latter having executive-produced. 
Comment now
Will you be watching the Michael Jackson biopic?
Comment Now
However, Paris, 28, was missing after admitting she had come to believe the allegations against her father were true. In a video, she shared: “A big reason why I haven’t said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are going to be happy with it. The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy. And they’re going to be happy with it. The thing about these biopics is they’re…it’s Hollywood. It’s Fantasyland, it’s not real. But it’s sold to you as real.” She claimed the narrative was “being controlled” and that it was “just full-blown lies” that didn’t “fly” with her.
Michael is released on April 22, 2026.
Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the .co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Comment now
Comments
Add as a Preferred Source on Google
Add as preferred source
