Fans and critics question the portrayal of Michael Jackson's life and family in the film set to release April 24, 2026.
Category: Arts & Culture
Fans of Michael Jackson are gearing up for the release of the biopic Michael, which hits theaters on April 24, 2026. The film, starring Jaafar Jackson—Michael's nephew—in the title role, chronicles the legendary pop star's rise from his early days with The Jackson 5 in the 1970s to his first solo tour in 1988.
As excitement builds for the film, some critics have begun to voice concerns over its accuracy. With a life as complex and storied as Jackson's, the challenge of condensing decades into a two-hour film inevitably leads to omissions and inaccuracies. The movie culminates with the 1982 release of Thriller, the best-selling album in pop music history, but it has already stirred controversy over its portrayal of key events and figures in Jackson's life.
One major point of contention is the film's omission of certain family members, including Janet Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, and Randy Jackson. The absence of these figures raises eyebrows, particularly since Janet's sister LaToya Jackson confirmed that Janet "kindly declined" to be depicted in the film. A careful headcount reveals that the film only includes six siblings: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, and LaToya, which leaves out important narratives associated with Rebbie and Randy.
The film opens with The Jackson 5 rehearsing in their Gary, Indiana home in 1966. Critics note a glaring inaccuracy in this scene, as the group is shown singing "Big Boy," a song that was recorded in 1967 and released in 1968. This misalignment with the timeline has left some fans scratching their heads.
Another notable inaccuracy involves the group's signing with Motown Records. The film suggests that they were discovered by Diana Ross, a claim that is historically inaccurate. In reality, the Jacksons were introduced to Motown by Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers, who helped them secure an audition with founder Berry Gordy. The film's depiction of the signing process has been criticized for blending facts and fiction, which could mislead viewers unfamiliar with the true story.
As the narrative progresses, the film jumps abruptly from The Jackson 5's success to Michael's solo career, skipping over his earlier solo projects. Michael had already released four albums before his transition to a solo artist, including the chart-topping hit "Ben" in 1972. This timeline discrepancy could lead to confusion about Jackson's career milestones.
Jackson's pre-Thriller years are portrayed as eventful, featuring his adoption of a chimpanzee named Bubbles and his first rhinoplasty. Yet, these events are inaccurately timed; Bubbles was born in 1983, and Jackson's vitiligo diagnosis occurred later than depicted. Such inaccuracies raise questions about the film's commitment to factual storytelling.
The film also takes liberties with the timeline surrounding the release of Thriller. Jackson's achievements following the album's release are shown out of order, leading to potential confusion among viewers. For example, the film depicts Jackson rehearsing for the "Beat It" video and preparing for the iconic "Billie Jean" performance on the Motown 25 special, but these events occurred at different times than portrayed.
Michael Jackson's life was marked by both extraordinary success and complex personal struggles. From his beginnings with The Jackson 5 to his status as a global icon, his story is filled with triumphs and controversies. The film attempts to capture this complex life but faces challenges in balancing entertainment with accuracy.
The film's production faced additional hurdles, including legal challenges that affected the inclusion of certain scenes. Kat Graham, who was cast to portray Diana Ross, announced that her scenes were cut from the final version due to "certain legal consideration." This decision reflects the delicate nature of Jackson's legacy, particularly in light of the allegations of abuse that have surrounded him for decades.
Director Antoine Fuqua also filmed a reenactment of a police raid on Jackson's Neverland Ranch related to allegations made by Jordan Chandler, but this footage was not included in the final cut. The film's portrayal of Jackson's life is complicated by the legal restrictions surrounding his legacy, which may limit how his story can be told.
As anticipation grows for the film's release, Lionsgate is reportedly considering using some of the unused footage for a potential sequel. This could provide an opportunity to explore more of Jackson's life and career, though it how the filmmakers will navigate the sensitive subjects that have long surrounded his legacy.
In the meantime, Michael aims to present a narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers to Jackson's music. The film features a cast that includes notable actors such as Miles Teller, Nia Long, and Colman Domingo, alongside Jaafar Jackson, who is making his acting debut. The film's portrayal of Jackson's family dynamics and the tensions with his father, Joe Jackson, will likely be a focal point.
As the film prepares to premiere, it stands as a reminder of the challenges inherent in depicting the lives of iconic figures. With its release just around the corner, audiences will soon have the chance to see how the film interprets the life of the King of Pop.