Lionsgate hints at more to come as Fuqua’s vivid biopic unveils Jaafar Jackson’s uncanny transformation into his uncle
Jaafar Jackson strikes his uncle Michael’s iconic pose in Michael. Universal Pictures/Screengrab
Fresh rumours of a possible sequel to ‘Michael’, the highly anticipated biopic on pop legend Michael Jackson, have surfaced following the release of its record-breaking trailer earlier this week, media reports suggest.
The trailer, released on November 8, and the speculation began immediately afterwards when Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson hinted at the studio’s long-term plans for the project during a quarterly earnings call.
“While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film,” Fogelson said.
Fogelson’s remarks, coupled with the trailer’s explosive global reception, have led many to believe that the studio may be considering an extended cinematic treatment of Jackson’s complex life.
The trailer has already rewritten records, amassing more than 116.2 million views worldwide within its first 24 hours, according to analytics firm WaveMetrix. It now ranks as the most-viewed music biopic trailer in history and the most-watched trailer ever released by Lionsgate.
Offering the first real look at director Antoine Fuqua’s ambitious portrayal, the teaser paints a cinematic portrait of Jackson’s artistry and influence – that gave him the moniker of ‘King of Pop’ – rather than revisiting controversy.
Set to an energetic medley of ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ and ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, the clip takes viewers through defining stages of the artist’s career – from his early fame with the ‘Jackson 5’ to his rise as a solo phenomenon in the 1980s.
Fuqua’s approach focuses on the meticulous detail of Jackson’s performances, with recreated concert scenes and era-accurate costumes reflecting the precision of the late singer’s craft.
The teaser closes on a quiet yet evocative note, showing Jaafar Jackson, who portrays his uncle, standing in a dimly lit studio and asking, “Can you lower the lights for me, please?” The line has already become a talking point online, symbolising Jackson’s perfectionist drive and private world behind the stage lights.
Jaafar Jackson, the 29-year-old son of Michael’s brother Jermaine, makes his feature debut as the ‘King of Pop’. Fuqua, known for ‘The Equalizer’ trilogy and ‘Emancipation’, said Jaafar was selected after a global search, calling him “a natural fit” for the role.
Critics and fans alike have praised his physical resemblance and inherited mannerisms, describing his casting as both poetic and uncanny.
The supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and young actor Juliano Krue Valdi as the youthful Michael.
Written by John Logan and produced by Graham King, John Branca and John McClain, the $155 million production is scheduled for worldwide release on April 24, 2026, with IMAX screenings planned.
King, who also produced ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, said the film aims to “humanise but not sanitise” Jackson’s story, offering a balanced portrayal of the man whose music changed the world.
