Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael.' Glen Wilson Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment Michael is already leaving an impact on viewers. Lionsgate released the first official teaser trailer for the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, on Thursday. And after its initial 24 hours, the views racked up to 116.2 million globally, according to WaveMetrix, making it the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic in history and now holding the title for Lionsgate as the studio's largest trailer debut. Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late Michael Jackson, stars as the King of Pop. In the first footage, Jaafar is seen recreating the musician's iconic dance moves, such as the moonwalk, and it also teases a clip of the "Thriller" music video. The trailer will play in theaters starting next week. Related Stories Movies Lionsgate Movie Boss Promises "More 'Michael' Soon" Amid Talk of Splitting Michael Jackson Biopic in Two Business Lionsgate Shrinks Quarterly Loss After Starz Spin Off Additional castmembers include Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones and Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael. Here is the official synopsis: "The film tells the story of Michael Jackson's life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins." Antoine Fuqua directs the feature with a script by John Logan. Meanwhile, Graham King, John Branca and John McClain serve as producers. Michael hits theaters April 24, 2026. Watch the trailer below. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Heat Vision Box Office Badass: 'Predator Badlands' Kicks Off November With Record $36M-$38M Opening Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Tallinn Rocks: Music Docs Put Fest Spotlight on Baltic Bands BIX, aka "Almost Nirvana," and Velikije Luki Oscars 2026 Egypt's Oscar Hopeful 'Happy Birthday' Follows an 8-Year-Old Maid Who Is a Class Act in a World of Classism Heat Vision Ryan Reynolds Remaking 1970s Crime Movie 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' for Amazon MGM (Exclusive) Heat Vision Universal, Jeff Robinov Partner on Adventure Spec 'Baby Monster' (Exclusive) Heat Vision Composer Bear McCreary "Waited Over 20 Years" to Finish This Song Heat Vision Box Office Badass: 'Predator Badlands' Kicks Off November With Record $36M-$38M Opening Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Tallinn Rocks: Music Docs Put Fest Spotlight on Baltic Bands BIX, aka "Almost Nirvana," and Velikije Luki Oscars 2026 Egypt's Oscar Hopeful 'Happy Birthday' Follows an 8-Year-Old Maid Who Is a Class Act in a World of Classism Heat Vision Ryan Reynolds Remaking 1970s Crime Movie 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' for Amazon MGM (Exclusive) Heat Vision Universal, Jeff Robinov Partner on Adventure Spec 'Baby Monster' (Exclusive) Heat Vision Composer Bear McCreary "Waited Over 20 Years" to Finish This Song