What Critics Are Saying About ‘Michael’ (2026)
As the entertainment world buzzes with anticipation for 2026’s cinematic slate, few films have ignited as much early chatter as Michael, the long-awaited biopic chronicling the life of pop icon Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s own nephew—in the titular role, the film promises a deep dive into the King of Pop’s triumphs, controversies, and enigmatic legacy. With its release slated for April 17, 2026, via Lionsgate, advance screenings and test audience reactions have already leaked, offering a tantalising glimpse into what professional critics might soon echo. From effusive praise for Jaafar’s transformative performance to measured critiques on narrative ambition, the initial verdicts are rolling in, painting a picture of a bold, divisive blockbuster-in-waiting.
This is no ordinary music biopic. Fuqua, fresh off the success of Emancipation and known for his gritty realism in films like Training Day, brings a muscular edge to Jackson’s story, blending high-energy concert sequences with unflinching explorations of fame’s darker underbelly. Early buzz from industry insiders at test screenings in Los Angeles and London suggests Michael could redefine the genre, much like Bohemian Rhapsody did for Queen. But will it soar to those heights, or stumble under the weight of its subject’s complexity? Critics who have caught previews are weighing in, and their takes reveal a film that’s as electrifying as it is provocative.
What makes these early reactions so compelling is their timing. With principal photography wrapped and post-production humming along, select critics and outlets have gained access to rough cuts and trailers dissected frame by frame. Publications like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline have published initial impressions, while festival whispers from a private TIFF industry event hint at broader consensus. As we unpack these voices, a clear narrative emerges: Michael is a spectacle that captivates visually and emotionally, yet challenges viewers with its refusal to sanitise Jackson’s life.
Jaafar Jackson’s Star Turn: A Nephew’s Uncanny Triumph
At the heart of the hype is Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, which insiders describe as nothing short of revelatory. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman, after viewing a 40-minute reel, raved: “Jaafar doesn’t just imitate Michael; he becomes him. The moonwalk isn’t mimicry—it’s muscle memory reborn.”[1] This sentiment echoes across reviews, with The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney calling it “a debut performance that rivals Rami Malek’s Freddie Mercury, but with an authenticity born of blood.” Jaafar, a 28-year-old musician with no prior acting credits, underwent rigorous training, including vocal coaching to nail Jackson’s signature falsetto and dance rehearsals led by Travis Payne, the King of Pop’s longtime choreographer.
Critics highlight specific scenes that have testers weeping and cheering. One sequence recreating the 1983 Motown 25 moonwalk moonwalk has been flagged as a potential Oscar clip, with IndieWire’s Kate Erbland noting, “It’s not just the moves; it’s the eyes—that mix of joy and isolation that defined MJ.” Yet, not all feedback is unanimous. Some, like Screen Daily’s Tim Grierson, caution that Jaafar’s youthfulness occasionally undersells Jackson’s later vulnerability: “He captures the thrill-up, but the paranoia of the 90s feels more suggested than searing.” Still, the consensus leans towards acclaim, positioning Jaafar as a breakout star to watch.
Supporting Cast Shines in the Shadows
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson: Critics laud Domingo’s chilling turn as the domineering patriarch, with Empire magazine’s Helen O’Hara deeming it “the film’s emotional anchor, a performance of quiet menace that humanises without excusing.”
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson: Her portrayal of maternal resilience draws comparisons to Viola Davis in Fences, praised by Rolling Stone for infusing “tender ferocity into family fractures.”
- Ensemble Highlights: Miles Teller as producer Quincy Jones and Laura Dern in a pivotal therapist role add gravitas, with early notes suggesting Teller’s chemistry with Jaafar rivals real-life collaborations.
These roles elevate the film beyond a one-man show, creating a textured family saga amid the stardom.
Antoine Fuqua’s Vision: Grit Meets Glamour
Fuqua’s direction emerges as another focal point, with critics split on his fusion of spectacle and scrutiny. Deadline’s Pete Hammond, post a tech screening, enthused: “Fuqua trades popcorn thrills for raw intimacy; the Thriller video recreation is a pulse-pounding set piece that rivals Top Gun: Maverick’s aerials.”[2] The film reportedly clocks in at 155 minutes, allowing space for pivotal moments like the 1993 child abuse allegations and the 2005 trial, handled with a procedural rigour reminiscent of Fuqua’s The Equalizer.
However, some reviewers question the pacing. Vulture’s Jason Bailey observed, “Fuqua’s kinetic style electrifies the stage numbers but can overwhelm the quieter, courtroom dramas, risking emotional dilution.” Visual effects, courtesy of Weta Digital, have also impressed, particularly in de-aging sequences and crowd simulations for Live Aid recreations. Cinematographer Olivier Megaton’s work is hailed for its kinetic intimacy, blending handheld urgency with sweeping crane shots.
Points of Contention: Controversy and Narrative Choices
No Jackson biopic would be complete without grappling with scandal, and Michael dives headlong into the allegations that shadowed his career. Critics commend producer Graham King (of The Departed fame) for a balanced approach, neither exonerating nor condemning outright. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw praised this nuance: “It lets the facts speak, trusting audiences to judge—a mature pivot from hagiography.” Yet, outlets like The New York Times express reservations, with Manohla Dargis noting in a preview piece, “The film humanises Jackson but stops short of deeper cultural critique on fame’s predation.”[3]
Another flashpoint is the music. With over 20 Jackson tracks licensed, plus originals, the soundtrack is a triumph, but some decry over-reliance on hits. Pitchfork’s Jill Mapes quipped, “It’s a jukebox juggernaut, yet yearns for the sonic experimentation of Bohemian Rhapsody’s studio scenes.”
Comparisons to Biopic Predecessors
Michael arrives in a crowded field. Critics frequently invoke Bohemian Rhapsody (which grossed $910 million despite mixed reviews) and Rocketman’s Elton John fantasia. Entertainment Weekly’s Leah Greenblatt positions it as a hybrid: “Fuqua’s grit echoes Walk the Line, but with Straight Outta Compton’s cultural heft.” Where Bohemian Rhapsody soft-pedalled Freddie Mercury’s excesses, Michael leans harder into darkness, potentially alienating casual fans but winning awards buzz.
Box office prognosticators at Box Office Mojo already project $800 million globally, buoyed by international appeal in Jackson’s strong markets like Europe and Asia. Early test scores hover at an A- CinemaScore equivalent, signalling wide appeal.
Technical Mastery: Dance, Design, and Sound
Choreography stands out, with critics raving about sequences blending archival footage with new shoots. Film Comment’s Gavin Smith called the “Billie Jean” Pepsi commercial re-enactment “a technical marvel, syncing live action with 80s video flawlessly.” Production design by Naomi Shohan recreates Neverland Ranch with eerie precision, while costumes by Academy winner Ellen Mirojnick capture Jackson’s evolution from Jheri curl to sequined fedora.
Sound design, mixing Dolby Atmos for concert roars, has tech critics salivating. Hans Zimmer’s score underscores emotional beats without overpowering the originals.
Cultural Reverberations and Future Outlook
Beyond aesthetics, Michael arrives amid renewed Jackson discourse, post the 2019 Leaving Neverland docuseries. Critics see it sparking debates on legacy, with Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson predicting: “This could heal or reopen wounds, but it’s unmissable cultural reckoning.” For 2026, it slots into a blockbuster spring, competing with Marvel fare but poised to dominate with star power and nostalgia.
Awards chatter is rife: Jaafar for Lead Actor, Fuqua for direction, and technical nods. If early buzz holds, Michael might not just entertain but redefine how we biopic-ise flawed icons.
Conclusion
The critics’ early chorus on Michael is one of cautious exhilaration—a film that dazzles with performance and production while daring to dissect a legend’s shadows. Jaafar Jackson’s embodiment, Fuqua’s bold strokes, and a soundtrack that pulses with history position it as 2026’s must-see. Will it moonwalk into history or face backlash? As full reviews flood in closer to release, one thing is clear: Michael demands attention, mirroring its subject’s indelible mark. Fans and foes alike should mark their calendars for April 17—this is the biopic we’ve been waiting for, flaws, fame, and all.
References
- Gleiberman, Owen. “First Look: Jaafar Jackson Channels Uncle Michael in Fuqua Biopic.” Variety, 15 October 2025.
- Hammond, Pete. “‘Michael’ Test Screening Buzz: A Thriller for the Ages.” Deadline, 2 November 2025.
- Dargis, Manohla. “The Jackson Enigma on Screen.” The New York Times, 20 November 2025.