EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate and Universal‘s Michael Jackson biopic Michael is officially moving to Friday, April 24, and that’s a global theatrical release. At the same time, we hear that a second movie about Jackson remains in development.

Jaafar Jackson, the late singer's real-life nephew, will step into the role of Michael Jackson. Michael, the highly anticipated biopic from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures and directed by Antoine Fuqua will now debut on April 24, 2026, instead of its originally slated October 2025 release.

Lionsgate and Universal have set “Michael,” Antoine Fuqua’s biopic about Michael Jackson, for release on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution for the film while Universal handles overseas with the exception of Japan, where it will be distributed by Kino Films. “Michael” will have global Imax support.