Here’s the latest on the Michael Jackson biopic release date as of 2025–2026.
-
The film Michael (Antoine Fuqua directing, Jaafar Jackson as Michael) has experienced multiple delays and shifts in release plans. Early reporting placed it for spring 2025 in the U.S., but that date moved in subsequent announcements. This is due to production and post-production scheduling as well as rights-clearance matters.[1][3]
-
Most recent widely cited updates point to a 2026 release window, with various markets targeted for spring or summer 2026 and some outlets noting a global rollout around April 2026, including a possible IMAX release in multiple territories.[2][4][6]
-
France-specific release dates have been reported as April 2025 in some articles and later updates indicate shifts; as of late 2025 and early 2026, French press coverage referenced a 2026 window in several articles, mirroring the international delays.[5][7]
-
Trailers and reception: a widely released trailer in late 2025/early 2026 generated substantial interest, with reports of strong view counts and ongoing discussion about the film’s focus on Michael Jackson’s early solo years and tensions surrounding his career and personal life.[3][6]
Illustration (example trajectory)
- Original plan: 2025 release (April) → Delays → 2026 global release (April 24, 2026 widely cited by several outlets) → Possible two-part format or extended cut under consideration in some reports.[6][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest, country-specific release dates or check for any official statements from Lionsgate or Universal to confirm the current plan. I can also summarize key cast and production notes or provide a timeline of the major announced dates. Please tell me which details you prefer.
Citations:
- Rolling Stone France article on 2024-01-13 about a 2025 US release and Jaafar Jackson casting.[1]
- Poole Community recap noting a 2026 theatrical/IMAX release around April 24, 2026.[2]
- Rolling Stone France trailer coverage and noting delays to 2026 with legal/production context.[3]
Sources
[VIDÉO] La première bande-annonce de "Michael", en salles en France le 26 avril, est enfin en ligne. L'occasion de découvrir l'acteur Jaafar Jackson dans la peau de son célèbre tonton. Consacré aux débuts en solo du chanteur, le biopic d'Antoine Fuqua ferait l'impasse sur les aspects les plus sombres de sa carrière. - Scandale ou pas scandale ? Le très attendu biopic de Michael Jackson se dévoile enfin (Culture, médias et divertissement).
www.tf1info.fr'Four-hour long' movie Michael has reportedly been split into two films and pushed to next year.
www.newsweek.comNew Michael Jackson Film to Premiere in 2026 Lionsgate and Universal Pictures have announced that their upcoming film about Michael Jackson will be released in cinemas and IMAX around the world on April 24, 2026 Including the UK.
www.poolecommunity.comLe neveu de Michael Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, incarnera le roi de la pop dans ce film prévu pour le printemps 2025.
www.rollingstone.frIMDb, la source de contenu la plus populaire et la plus fiable au monde pour le cinéma, la télévision et les célébrités.
www.imdb.comPour découvrir le biopic consacré à Michael Jackson, il faudra patienter jusqu'en 2025. Le film Michael mis en scène par Antoine Fuqua, avec Jaafar Jackson dans le rôle principal, sortira le 16 avril
www.allocine.frIMDb, la source de contenu la plus populaire et la plus fiable au monde pour le cinéma, la télévision et les célébrités.
www.imdb.comDécouvrez la bande-annonce du biopic Michael avec Jaafar Jackson. Entre gloire, tensions avec Joe Jackson et controverses.
www.rollingstone.fr