The release of the highly anticipated ‘Michael’ biopic, chronicling the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has been delayed by six months. Originally set for release on April 18, 2025, the film will now premiere on October 3, 2025. The delay was announced by Lionsgate, the studio behind the project.
The movie stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in the lead role. It also features an impressive supporting cast, including Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Other notable cast members include Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Jessica Sula, as reported by Daily Mail.
‘Michael’ will venture into various facets of the pop star’s life and career, including his legal controversies. Notably, the film will address the 1993 lawsuit in which Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse, a case he settled, as well as the 2005 trial in Santa Barbara, California, where Jackson was acquitted of separate child sexual abuse charges.
In addition to ‘Michael’, Lionsgate is preparing to release other films, including the comedy Good Fortune, which features a star-studded cast including Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves. Good Fortune is scheduled to premiere on October 17, 2025.
The ‘Michael’ biopic is drawing significant attention, with Lionsgate expressing high hopes for the film’s success. Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide television distribution, spoke at the Gabelli Media & Entertainment Symposium, stating that there is substantial buzz around the project. He even compared the upcoming film to recent successful biopics about musical icons, such as those about Elvis Presley, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury. Packer believes Michael will be the studio’s biggest movie to date, especially as each new photo release builds anticipation.
The trailer for ‘Michael’ received an enthusiastic reception at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April, according to Variety. One key moment in the trailer features a voice attributed to Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, saying, “There might be some people who think you’re different and that’s gonna make life a little harder for you. But you never were like anyone else – Michael, you have a very special light – so make that light shine onto the world.” A voice attributed to Michael himself is heard saying, “When I’m not onstage everything feels foreign to me.”
Producer Graham King, who has spent seven years developing the biopic, has emphasised the depth and complexity of the film. King conducted hundreds of interviews to ensure a detailed and authentic portrayal of Jackson’s life.
He described the film as an “inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived,” with elements of drama, intrigue, and emotional depth. Despite early doubts about finding the right actor to portray Michael Jackson, King believes Jaafar Jackson has delivered an exceptional performance in the role.
Lionsgate is clearly confident in the film’s potential, and the anticipation surrounding Michael continues to grow as its release date approaches.
