The long-awaited movie “Michael,” starring Jafaar Jackson, is exciting fans worldwide with its release, highlighting the biggest moments of Michael Jackson’s career.
The film was released on April 24 and has already broken box office records while sparking debates across the internet.
“I feel like we have been waiting for this movie for a while, so it’s exciting that it’s finally out,” said sophomore Natalia Keil.
The movie was directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the same man behind the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“I haven’t seen many other biopics, but I know them to be very successful in terms of how much fans like them,” said junior Anna Tsivikas.
Casting is one of the most critical factors in movie hype. Rather than hiring a long-term actor who had appeared before, the producers shifted their focus to Michael Jackson’s actual family.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, made his acting debut in the film as Michael Jackson himself. His performance has been praised for his ability to embody Michael Jackson’s voice, personality, and dance abilities.
“I think it is super cool to have his actual family member play him. It definitely feels more raw and honorable,” said sophomore Zachary Brier.
One of the film’s more surprising aspects is its timeline. Many expected a birth-to-death biopic, but instead, the movie focuses on the first 30 years of Michael Jackson’s life, which were major years of his successful career.
The film starts off in Indiana with the formation of the “Jackson 5,” a band consisting of Michael Jackson and his siblings, emerging in the mid ’60s.
Working off the band days, he began his solo career in 1971, which brought him his biggest hits and conflicts. “Thriller” would become one of his most well-known songs and music videos, and it would play a significant role in the 2026 film.
The unforgettable zombie sequence at the end of the music video became Jaafar Jackson’s defining moment in the film — an electrifying scene that continues to captivate and amaze fans to this day.
“The thriller sequence is a very well-known part of Michael’s career, so it is cool to see it recreated so well in the film,” Brier said.
Biopics have long been a favorite among moviegoers, offering a compelling way to bring the world’s most iconic figures back to life on the big screen.
“I feel like biopics are super interesting because we can explore parts of people’s lives that we didn’t know before,” Keil said.
Between “Michael” and the other contenders, key differences stand in the way of this film’s seeing more immediate success.
One difference is the genetic casting. Many have said that Jaafar Jackson’s performance makes the film feel less like an imitation and more like a revival.
Next is the narrative cut-off. The film ended long before Michael Jackson’s career ended, leaving fans wanting a sequel to finish Michael Jackson’s life story.
“I’ll be very happy if there is another movie because this one kind of left off on a cliffhanger, so I want to know more,” Tsivikas said.
Ultimately, the film serves as a powerful reminder that while Michael Jackson is a complex person, his artistry and cultural impact are undeniable, offering a new generation the chance to witness what really made him the King of Pop.
