The searchlights are back over Hollywood, and the energy at the Dolby Theatre last night was nothing short of historic. On Monday, April 20, 2026, the stars aligned for the U.S. premiere of Michael, the highly anticipated biographical film directed by Antoine Fuqua.
With the official theatrical release set for this Friday, April 24, the world finally got a glimpse of how the King of Pop’s legacy is being handled on the big screen.
A Family Affair on the Red Carpet
The premiere felt more like a family reunion than a standard Hollywood event. The man of the hour, Jaafar Jackson, looked uncanny as he walked the carpet alongside his father, Jermaine Jackson, and other members of the Jackson estate.
-
The Transformation: Jaafar isn’t just playing his uncle; he is channeling him. Critics and fans alike are calling his performance “tremendous” and “electric,” noting that his shared DNA brings a level of physical authenticity—from the lithe frame to the iconic “Bad” era movements—that no other actor could replicate.
-
Star-Studded Support: The carpet was packed with the film’s heavy hitters, including Nia Long (playing Katherine Jackson), Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), and Miles Teller (John Branca).
The Film: Performance vs. Perspective
Now that the first reviews are in, a clear narrative is forming. While the film currently sits at a 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, the low score tells a very specific story:
-
The Highs: Nearly every critic is unanimous that the musical sequences are masterpieces. The recreations of the Jackson 5’s Motown debut and the Thriller and Bad eras are high-production spectacles that make you feel like you’re sitting front row in 1987.
-
The Conflict: Much of the critical pushback stems from the film’s “estate-approved” perspective. The narrative focuses heavily on Michael’s journey to solo stardom and his artistic genius, but intentionally omits the child molestation allegations, leading some critics to describe it as a “filmed playlist” or “damage control.”
“Jaafar Jackson is tremendous in Michael, truly making you forget he isn’t the real thing.” — Social Media Reaction from the LA Premiere
What to Expect This Weekend
Whether you’re a die-hard Moonwalker or a casual fan of pop history, Michael is clearly designed to be a big-screen experience. It covers the first 26 years of his life with a focus on his relentless pursuit of perfection and his complex relationship with his father, Joe.
The Soundtrack: Keep your ears open for the official soundtrack featuring 13 legendary tracks spanning from his childhood through the Bad album.
Are you heading to the theaters this Friday to see Jaafar take on the mantle? Or are you waiting to see how the fans react compared to the critics? Let us know in the comments!
Stay tuned for our full deep-dive review following the wide release!
by Matt J. Doyle
eZWay Network
MattJDoyle.Com
