The first trailer for the much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic has finally been released online, following a series of production challenges and legal controversies. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, was initially slated for release months ago but faced multiple delays, ultimately pushing its debut to April 2026. This delay has sparked discussions about the film’s portrayal of the pop icon’s life and the legal complexities surrounding its production.
“I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this,” says Quincy Jones, portrayed by Kendrick Sampson, in the opening shot of the trailer. “The tracks are made; the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top.” This line resonates with the film’s prolonged journey to the screen, underscoring the challenges faced during its production.
Production Delays and Legal Challenges
The film’s release was postponed twice due to reshoots, which were reportedly necessitated by legal oversights. Entertainment reporter Matt Belloni revealed that the initial script included scenes involving Jordan Chandler, a child who accused Jackson of sexual abuse in 1993. Jackson settled the civil lawsuit with Chandler’s family in 1994, and the script’s portrayal reportedly violated the settlement terms, prompting the need for reshoots.
Belloni noted that the script “went to great lengths” to depict Jackson as a victim of extortion. The Jackson estate’s oversight of these scenes forced a reevaluation of the film’s content, ultimately delaying its release.
“Jackson is only ever seen caring for children with childhood cancer, or dancing with a little girl in a wheelchair, or tucking up multiple little boys, mostly his nephews, at sleepovers,” said Dan Reed, director of the documentary Leaving Neverland.
Criticism and Controversy
The biopic has faced criticism for allegedly sanitizing Jackson’s life. Dan Reed, who directed the documentary Leaving Neverland, was among those who reviewed an early draft of the screenplay. He criticized the film for its portrayal of Jackson, suggesting it discredits the allegations against him.
Reed’s comments highlight ongoing debates about how the film addresses Jackson’s legacy, particularly regarding allegations of child sexual abuse. Jackson was charged in a separate case in 2005 but was acquitted by a jury. He consistently denied all allegations until his death in 2009.
Adding to the controversy, Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson in the film, claimed that Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, supported the biopic. However, Paris publicly refuted this claim, stating she had no involvement in the film’s production.
“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had zero per cent involvement in lol that is so weird,” Paris Jackson wrote on Instagram.
The Film’s Vision and Future Prospects
Despite the controversies, producer Graham King has defended the film’s approach. He emphasized the importance of presenting a balanced and compelling narrative of Jackson’s life, allowing audiences to form their own opinions.
“As a film-maker, I look to humanise but not sanitise and present the most compelling, unbiased story I can capture in a single feature film and let the audience decide how they feel after watching it,” King stated.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in the titular role, with a cast that includes Miles Teller as John Branca, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson. As the release date approaches, the film is expected to reignite discussions about Jackson’s complex legacy and the ethical responsibilities of biographical storytelling in cinema.
As the world awaits the film’s release, questions remain about how it will be received by audiences and critics alike. The biopic’s journey reflects the ongoing challenges of portraying controversial figures in a way that is both respectful and truthful, a balance that filmmakers continue to navigate in the ever-evolving landscape of biographical cinema.
