Michael Jackson biopic moves to spring 2026 release

The Michael Jackson biopic from Lionsgate and Universal is looking to thrill audiences next year, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Director Antoine Fuqua‘s Michael is set to hit theaters and Imax on April 24, 2026, after its release was delayed several times, most recently having been dated for the fall of 2025. Marking his feature debut is Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role as the pop music icon. Lionsgate is distributing the movie domestically, while Universal handles the global launch.

The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Michael was set for 22 days of additional photography to take place in June. Sources noted at the time that the film, initially intended to span the star’s life and have a lengthy run time, was now expected to end with Jackson leaving his family’s group The Jacksons after the release of his first solo album, 1979’s Off the Wall.