Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Leaves Out Key Issues

Ready or not, "Michael," the much-anticipated movie about Michael Jackson's life, is on its way to theaters on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, this film is already making waves, but not exactly for the reasons you might think. It's supposed to take you through the life of the King of Pop, but as many critics are pointing out, it feels like there are some big pieces of the puzzle missing.

The Story That Isn't Told

"Michael" stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, in a role that's been under intense scrutiny. While many expected a complete portrait of Jackson, the film does a vanishing act on the more controversial periods of his life. Instead, it comfortably wraps up around the time of his 1988 "Bad Tour." So, if you were hoping to see how the movie tackles the 1993 allegations involving Jordan Chandler, you're out of luck. Legal issues forced major changes, and the ending was reshot at a whopping cost of $10-15 million, backed only by Jackson's estate. Its new conclusion just shows us a triumphant concert moment rather than any courtroom drama.

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

Critics are not holding back. The film is skating on thin ice with a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Described as "shallow" and "inert" by The Guardian, it's clearly not hitting all the right notes for everyone. The omission of significant events from Jackson's later years makes some call it "an unmitigated disaster," as The Daily Beast bluntly puts it. It's like making a chocolate cake but forgetting the cocoa.

Shining Lights Amidst the Shadows

While the film is facing an avalanche of criticism, not all hope is lost. Jaafar Jackson's acting chops are getting some major kudos. He nails his uncle's dance moves and vocal style, and fans who are all about the music say the performance scenes, like "Thriller," hit the jackpot. It's got that energy and flair you would expect from a movie about the King of Pop. It got me thinking, maybe Jaafar was the perfect person to capture that charismatic stage presence.

Releasing "Michael" now has sparked yet again the age-old debate about how we remember icons like Jackson, especially with the swirling controversies around his legacy. If you're curious about how the film industry handles these delicate stories, "Michael" is a case study worth noting, even if it misses the mark on some of the more difficult truths.