The new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic is generating buzz on social media and has ignited an outcry online.
The film was first announced two years ago and is set to be released on April 24, 2026, featuring Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as his uncle.
It is directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) and is written by John Logan.
Although Jaafar Jackson is being praised for looking like his uncle, many users are skeptical the film will likely avoid delving into the darker chapters of the 'King of Pop's life.
The trailer arrives 17 years after Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009, at age 50.
The cause of death was declared as acute propofol intoxication, while the Los Angeles County coroner ruled the death as a homicide. Jackson’s physician was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for causing his death.
So far the trailer has been viewed over 1.6 million times on YouTube, with many netizens praising Jaafar Jackson for his eerie resemblance to his uncle, Michael Jackson.
On such user wrote on X, “I’m hoping they manage to strike a fine balance, showing the brilliance that defined his career while still respecting the complexity of the man. A well-told story about an icon like that is always worth on the big screen.”
Another commenter commented, “That nose is my ONLY problem, honestly he walks (Moon) talks and sounds like Michael Jackson except that nose.”
While others have been sharing their fears that the biopic will sanitize some of the more controversial elements of Jackson’s life.
A user questioned the need for another biopic, commenting, “I loved Michael, but how many times can a movie be made, or documentary about the man’s life. I think I’ve seen 10 of them.”
Another commenter wrote, "the trailer looks great, but I hope they don't shy away from the more complicated parts of his life. A true biopic has to tell the whole story."
A key question is whether the film will offer a nuanced portrait or a sanitized, “icon-only” version that avoids the complexities of his life.
It remains unclear if the biopic will address the major controversies that defined the ‘king of Pop’s’ later years.