The wait is finally over, but the debate is only just beginning. This Friday, April 24, 2026, Lionsgate will unleash the most anticipated and perhaps the most divisive biopic in cinematic history: Michael.
As theaters across the globe, including those in Accra and Kumasi, prepare for record-breaking opening weekend crowds, the entertainment world finds itself at a crossroads between celebrating a musical genius and grappling with a complicated legacy.
At the heart of the film is a performance that many are already calling “once in a lifetime.” Jaafar Jackson, the 29-year-old nephew of the late King of Pop, makes his acting debut in the title role.
While the casting initially raised eyebrows, early screenings have silenced skeptics. Jaafar described the weight of the role in a recent featurette.
“I wanted to prove to myself, my family, and the filmmakers that I can do this… I started to rehearse for hours and hours until one single move was right. Dancing until my feet would bleed”
Jaafar Jackson, Actor
From the subtle quiver in his speaking voice to the explosive, gravity-defying choreography of the Bad era, Jaafar does not merely impersonate his uncle; he inhabits him.
Director Antoine Fuqua previously promised a raw look at the icon, noting, “We’re going to show the good, bad and the ugly… We just going to tell the facts”.
A Masterclass in Production
With a reported budget exceeding $150 million, no expense was spared in recreating the iconic milestones of Jackson’s career.
The cinematography vividly captures the transition from the gritty streets of Gary, Indiana, to the neon-soaked global superstardom of the 1980s.
Supporting performances provide a solid foundation. Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo delivers a nuanced performance as the family patriarch, Joe Jackson, while Nia Long brings necessary warmth as Katherine Jackson. Producer Graham King explained his vision for the project.
“My aim is to humanize but not sanitize and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture… and let the audience decide how they feel”
Graham King, Film Producer
The “Whitewash” Controversy
However, the narrative is not purely celebratory. The production has faced heavy fire from critics who accuse the estate-sanctioned film of “sanitizing” Jackson’s history.
Specifically, the film focuses heavily on creative triumphs while largely bypassing the child sexual abuse allegations that shadowed his later years.
Monica Castillo, in a critical review for AV Club, labeled the reenactments as “calculated damage control,” arguing that “Michael never loses his temper or shows any flaws beyond not standing up to his dad”.
This tension has sparked massive online debate, with critics labeling the final cut a “whitewash” despite $15 million in reshoots intended to balance the narrative.
Regardless of the critical divide, the “Jackson Effect” remains potent. Industry analysts predict Michael will rake in between $55M and $65M domestically in its opening weekend, likely shattering the record for the highest-grossing musical .
As the film’s version of Michael says in the trailer, “I believe music can change the world… Spread love, joy, and peace. That is what I want the world to feel. Magic”.
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