“MICHAEL” Official Trailer Review

The first official trailer for “MICHAEL”, the Michael Jackson biopic, premiered in November 2025 and immediately sparked debate. Set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026, the film follows Jackson’s journey from child prodigy to global superstar. From the trailer alone, it’s clear the movie prioritizes spectacle over exhaustive biography, highlighting iconic performances and career milestones while leaving many personal and controversial moments unexplored.

Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

Michael Jackson, portrayed by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, dominates every frame. The trailer moves quickly through familiar milestones: early rehearsals, packed arenas, signature dance moves, and legendary stage costumes. Cinematography and editing emphasize precision and energy, mirroring the pop star’s own attention to detail. The trailer’s score subtly incorporates familiar tracks, creating a sense of continuity without relying solely on full-length songs.

The filmmakers, led by director Antoine Fuqua and writer John Logan, appear focused on capturing the performer rather than the private individual. The trailer is a high-energy highlight reel, moving rapidly between triumphs and performances. Brief glimpses of Jackson’s personal life are included, but they’re fleeting and largely symbolic rather than revealing. This deliberate focus sets audience expectations: this is a celebration of talent and charisma, not a detailed biography.

Photo Credit – Google

Audience reaction has been intense. Within 24 hours, the trailer amassed over 116 million views, breaking records for music-biopic previews. Viewers and critics alike praised Jaafar Jackson’s physicality and ability to embody Michael’s movement and presence. Some describe the trailer as more of an extended tribute than a nuanced biography, which aligns with the filmmakers’ apparent approach.

Controversy has also emerged. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, publicly stated that she was not involved in the project and expressed concerns about its accuracy. Her comments have fueled debate about authenticity versus entertainment, highlighting the tension between the film’s celebratory tone and the complex realities of Michael Jackson’s life.

Photo Credit – Google

The trailer highlight performances, rehearsal moments, and Jackson’s public persona. It deliberately avoids delving into the controversies or personal struggles that defined his later life. While this approach guarantees broad appeal, it also signals that the film may prioritize admiration over investigation. Viewers should expect a cinematic experience that showcases the performer’s energy and charisma rather than a detailed exploration of his private life.

Overall, the MICHAEL trailer frames the film as a high-impact celebration of one of pop culture’s most influential figures. It succeeds in generating excitement and anticipation, but it leaves significant questions about narrative depth and personal context unanswered. The full story, and how it balances spectacle with substance, will only emerge when the film hits theaters in April 2026.